Warner UK Drops The Futureheads, New Wave’s Decline

Sunderland outfit The Futureheads, originally signed to 679/Warner, are once again a true indie band in the UK. Mostly known for their punk rock cover of Kate Bush’s “Hounds of Love”, worldwide career sales of 250,000 should keep their deal with U.S. distributor Vagrant intact.

Enter Shikari, Brit Rock Phenomenon

The ear piercing electrorave, amero-hardcore of Hertfordshire UK’s Enter Shikari led to a November 4 sold out show at London’s Astoria (capacity 2000). This left of center fury is rumored to be catapulting Shikari from their underground indie mass up into deeper pockets despite reports to the contrary. Shikari and UK rockers The Darkness share the intimate feat of both selling out the Astoria as unsigned artists.

Passenger, a New Brighton UK Band (aka Mike Rosenberg Band)

Passenger, hailing from Brighton, features 21 year old songwriter Mike Rosenberg. Previously posted here under the moniker MRB, these fellas are prepping their ‘07 debut under the guidance of IE Music Management who just scored another #1 debut with main superstar client Robbie Williams (IE also reps Astralwerks artist Sia). Albeit there are no major label venture plans in the UK or U.S. at the moment, there’s been a strong reaction from several Universal, Warner and Sony-BMG affiliates on both sides of the pond. Passenger’s new folk pop is not unlike Ben Harper, Cat Stevens, Dave Matthews, David Gray, Damien Rice, Joseph Arthur, Simon & Garfunkel and Dido. A finished indie full length includes the songs “Wicked Man’s Rest” and “Things You’ve Never Done”. Shows in London on 11/16 and 11/28.

Remi Nicole Pursued by Labels & Managers, The Envy Corps goto Universal

Brit Remi Nicole is said to have one label offer in while mulling over which reputable manager to sign with. You like the hip, urban pop of Lily Allen or even the lighter side of M.I.A.? This may fall in their wake. Ames, Iowa band The Envy Corps is currently recording for the Mercury/Universal UK label. For fans of Modest Mouse, James, The Killers. As it were, they use manager Robert Reynolds (The Killers). *Update: Remi Nicole reportedly signed with Colin Lester at Wildlife Management (Travis, Craig David).

Artisan “I Hold My Breath”

No surprises, London indie group Artisan is more lazy Brit folk drawing from Badly Drawn Boy, Psapp, Aqualung or even American northeasterners Guster. Barring saturation of the DIY, acoustic, lo-fi internet phenomenon, Artisan may fit the soundtrack bill for the rapidly declining “Grey’s Anatomy” or “O.C” helmed by L.A. music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas. At home, the BBC radio folks keep airing the cut “I Hold My Breath” with much praise. Try the remix.

Prior to Signing, BBC’s Lamacq Lauds I Say Marvin

Elsewhere on the Cornish, UK music scene, during a trip to London The Noel Prior Band’s summery melodies were noticed by several industry moguls (one who left a gig by one of his top acts to see the band) as were Ruarri Joseph’s mellow Tom Waits-ian numbers — it seems that closure on a deal set to land Joseph the status of a more credible Damien Rice figure is looming. After appearing as Steve Lamacq’s top unsigned band of the moment on Monday 6th November, the labels involved in the bidding frenzy surrounding I Say Marvin have upped the ante…. -by Laura Snapes

Demo Diaries A&R, 1999-2006, Part 10

December 5, 2004

I concur with several other industry pundits (NME, Mojo, BBC, MTV2) that London’s Hard-Fi seemingly have a UK hit on their hands. They put out a CD 5 weeks ago on indie Necessary Records. Their song “Cash Machine” has a Clash, Stones, Gorillaz ring about it. The video appears purposely homemade but charming nonetheless with the jet planes flying overhead. Big industry peeps are pursuing them….news shortly on this. Leonard Lowy is lawyer, Warren Clarke is manager, Ian Huffam is booker (Helter Skelter Agency).

Another fave of mine is the already signed and successful Brit band Athlete (Parlophone/EMI). Their new single “Wires” is Coldplay in slow motion. They’re a bit like Snow Patrol too, yea? Album due in January 2005.

November 29, 2004

I got myself on the guestlist at Pianos and witnessed the first ever NYC show by Mancunians Longview. In fact they are still signed directly to Warner UK. I’ll best describe them as The Verve covering Ride if the lead singer looked like a tall Beck with Chris Martin’s timbre. I should add that there’s this nutrasweet Brit rock appeal about them as well–a tight, melodic, controlled mayhem with reverb, echo and jam-like qualities. Time warp it back to 1992 Manchester, UK and you’ll feel right at home. I imagine the audience was 80 people strong including Matt Pinfield (92.3 K-Rock, Columbia Records). I suspect Columbia’s Greg Boggs was there too waiting to see his signing Elkland go on at 10pm.

I’m on an anglo-phile kick lately and that explains my massive appetite for all things UK/Euro. I watched the flic Intermission this past weekend starring Colin Farrell. He’s good as always but even better and picking up serious heat in Hollywood is Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Girl With A Pearl Earring, Batman Begins [upcoming 2005]). Brilliant actor and terribly handsome.

December 5, 2004

I concur with several other industry pundits (NME, Mojo, BBC, MTV2) that London’s Hard-Fi seemingly have a UK hit on their hands. They put out a CD 5 weeks ago on indie Necessary Records. Their song “Cash Machine” has a Clash, Stones, Gorillaz ring about it. The video appears purposely homemade but charming nonetheless with the jet planes flying overhead. Big industry peeps are pursuing them….news shortly on this. Leonard Lowy is lawyer, Warren Clarke is manager, Ian Huffam is booker (Helter Skelter Agency).

Another fave of mine is the already signed and successful Brit band Athlete (Parlophone/EMI). Their new single “Wires” is Coldplay in slow motion. They’re a bit like Snow Patrol too, yea? Album due in January 2005.

February 8, 2005

The Bittersweets from San Francisco. Produced by Dylan Magierek (My Morning Jacket, Innocence Mission). Folk rock like Shawn Colvin or Patty Griffin. Singer Hannah Prater is 23.

Antony and the Johnsons (old video) from NYC. This is the ‘art pop’ of the moment. Antony has a new CD out on indie label Secretly Canadian. He warbles his way through the lyrics with a maudlin, cabaret piano. I can tell you that Rufus Wainwright, Lou Reed, Boy George and Devendra Banhart worked on this record. Last Joe’s Pub date sold out, Bowery Ballroom bill 2/24. Licensed to Rough Trade Records UK. Press in Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, New York Magazine.

February 5, 2005

The Bravery (“Honest Mistake” video). I posted this song in audio about 11 months ago. Their manager Pete Galli emailed me then saying things were picking up for them. They went on to sign with Loog/Polydor UK (due 3/14) and Island U.S. (due 3/29). The NME says “New York’s slickest young hopefuls are set to become one of the world’s biggest stories in 2005″. Anything’s possible I guess. New Order sees a release on Warner 3/28 in the UK and 4/26 in the U.S. Click above to hear.

A reunited Frente and The Futureheads both cover Kate Bush’s “Hounds of Love”. Kate Bush will release a new CD this year…hm…Tori Amos has a CD out on February 22.

February 10, 2005

Feeder had the #2 UK album last week. Gil Norton (The Pixies, Foo Fighters) produced it. Mark Richardson joined the band 3 years ago after original drummer Jon Lee killed himself. Click to hear “Bitter Glass”.

Doves return with a new video. See what depressed, small town Brit life looks like.

Lucian Freud’s (grandson of Sigmund Freud) 3 year old painting of a nude, pregnant Kate Moss sold for 6.5 million yesterday. Fascinating. Lucian is 82.

February 2005-News Hilights

Amos Lee sounds good to me. I like. He’s age 27. Debut out on Blue Note March 1. Touring with Bob Dylan.

I saw 22 year old Philadelphia girl Lisa Bouchelle perform at a place on Bleecker street two nights ago. Quite a dynamic, over the top voice she has live. A real singer. I was impressed by some self-indulgent, possessive moments she offered despite the diva like pop. She looked like Hillary Duff and Kelly Clarkson but carried herself like a Mariah Carey meets Alanis. Woah, that was an erratic review but I think I nailed it. Anyhow, some upstart indie label has offered her a comfy deal with possibly Dave Bendeth (Vertical Horizon) producing.

Natalie Imbruglia is previewing her new video. The pause in the car chase is creative. Listen to that familiar UK style melody in the verses. Something new for her? She’s still beautiful, even without the L’Oreal makeup. She’s married to Silverchair’s Daniel Johns who co-produced the upcoming CD.

Surefire from NYC. These 18 year olds are doing the showcase thing tomorrow night at NYC’s Mercury Lounge, 9:30. Count on that good ole industry turnout. Sound is Tom Petty meets Oasis? They use Marathon Management (Andrew W.K., The Stills, International Noise Conspiracy).

Watch the We Jam Econo trailer. It’s a documentary on seminal American punk band the Minutemen. Singer D. Boon died in a 1985 car crash. Bassist Mike Watt later formed Firehose.

Matthew Good could use a new record deal in the U.S. Universal Canada has optioned one more album. 650,000+ in career sales. A compilation/DVD/rarities package is in the works right now also. He only released one CD in the States on Atlantic. Some of his best writing is found on what would be considered moody album tracks. He’s quite the lyrical revolutionary (“Prime Time Deliverance”, “I Miss New Wave”, “Truffle Pigs”, “Advertising On Police Cars”). Bernie Breen Management.

Averi from Boston. I posted them a few years ago after chatting with Mike in the band. They have a new 2005 CD. Release party at Boston’s Paradise Lounge on 2/26 is sold out (650 kids). They use Ralph Jaccodine as manager. 6 labels might have called recently. Career sales said to be at 12,000 or so.

Munkster from London. A fitting tune for a rainy Monday in NYC. Produced by my buddy Julian Standen (Lemonheads, Soup Dragons). Check singer Seb Wesson’s music collection for Chris Martin and Jeff Buckley. Unsigned.

Antony and the Johnsons (old video) from NYC. This is the ‘art pop’ of the moment. Antony has a new CD out on indie label Secretly Canadian. He warbles his way through the lyrics with a maudlin, cabaret piano. I can tell you that Rufus Wainwright, Lou Reed, Boy George and Devendra Banhart worked on this record. Last Joe’s Pub date sold out, Bowery Ballroom bill 2/24. Licensed to Rough Trade Records UK. Press in Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, New York Magazine.

London’s My Luminaries. More of the Blur, XTC thing. I think the BBC’s Steve Lamacq was at their show two weeks ago. A major label is funding some new demos right now.

The Faders marketing campaign has begun. The website is now updated and functional with video. It looks and smells like an early MTV add. “No Sleep Tonight” single hits March 21. The best part is the kick drum. I don’t even know if they’ll be shuffled over to Interscope or Island U.S. from Polydor UK. I’m not sure of the publishing status on the songs but this shite might end up being the ubiquitous TV/Film trailer anthem come late spring/summer. Here come Josie and The Pussycats, again. The cartoon was pretty good though. U.S. sales projection: 175,000-500,000.

February 3, 2005

London’s My Luminaries. More of the Blur, XTC thing. I think the BBC’s Steve Lamacq was at their show two weeks ago. A major label is funding some new demos right now.

UK veterans Embrace are at 500,000+ sales over there with “Out of Nothing” (also a #1 album last year). Lava Records has signed them up here for a May 3 release. They were on the charts (1998) long before Coldplay and Keane ever came along. But if they sound even more like Coldplay now it’s because Chris Martin wrote one of their newer singles called “Gravity”. UK label is Independiente/Sony.

February 1, 2005

The Faders marketing campaign has begun. The website is now updated and functional with video. It looks and smells like an early MTV add. “No Sleep Tonight” single hits March 21. The best part is the kick drum. I don’t even know if they’ll be shuffled over to Interscope or Island U.S. from Polydor UK. I’m not sure of the publishing status on the songs but this shite might end up being the ubiquitous TV/Film trailer anthem come late spring/summer. Here come Josie and The Pussycats, again. The cartoon was pretty good though. U.S. sales projection: 30,000-500,000.

January 30, 2005

People in Planes from Cardiff, Wales. Reportedly had 10 major labels at their NYC Mercury Lounge showcase, January 24. To date, one offer on the table. Inevitably they have a warm, classic rock appeal that wouldn’t offend fans of Thom Yorke, Gomez or possibly even The Jayhawks. They’ve recorded with folks like Dan Austin (Cooper Temple Clause, The Doves). I believe Jarcrew manager Jo Hunt still handles them. Show at London’s Metro (19 Oxford St.) on Feb 2.

January 27, 2005

Atlanta’s Elevation plays the BMI Showcase February 3 @ Smith’s Olde Bar, Atlanta. They’re Switchfoot meets John Mayer. “Facedown” is super catchy. The BMI show is highly tipped. Michael Weeman hosts.

NYC’s The Upwelling. Moody with an indie, reverb, Brit feel. Pink Floyd fans wouldn’t be averse to these guys. February 18 @ NYC’s Mercury Lounge may sell out.

The UK’s Imogen Heap has a demo on Los Angeles’ KCRW radio. As mentioned in the past, you recall her as singer for Frou Frou (Garden State soundtrack) and a former Almo Records artist.

Niki Barr @ Viper Room in Los Angeles Wednesday Feb 2 8:30–expected are Epic, American, Hollywood. New York show @ Tribeca Rocks February 23 9:00–expected RCA, Columbia, Epic.

-HEAT SHEET-

1. Cherryfalls
(Island UK)

2. Bloc Party
(Vice)

3. Athlete
(Parlophone)

4. Imogen Heap (unsigned)

5. Hard-Fi
(Atlantic)

6. M83
(Mute)

7. Battle
(unsigned)

8. Aqualung
(Columbia)

9. Elevation
(unsigned)

10. The Faders
(Polydor UK)

11. The Futureheads
(Sire)

12. People in Planes
(unsigned)

13. Maximo Park
(Warp)

14. Embrace
(Lava)

15. Regina Spektor
(Sire)

March 6, 2005

Something to Burn from Los Angeles. People in the midwest like Crossfade, Breaking Benjamin, Fuel. What are you gonna do. Records like these ship 500k-1 million. Straight and easy fastball down the middle. How hard can you hook ‘em.

This Beautiful Republic from Maumee, Ohio. Heavy rock with Jawbox, Lit, Bad Religion sentiments.

Westrin & Mowry from Grand Ledge, Michigan. If Morrissey went Nashville.

Mike Previti plays NYC’s Pianos April 22, 8pm. Not unlike Tal Bachman, Better Than Ezra. Click above.

April 1, 2005

LA indie act Goldspot always had a good song in “Friday”. The 2005 version streaming at their site differs from the one circulating a couple years back. But still it has that Palo Alto flavor with the obligatory UK jangle. Actor Kal Penn (Kumar in “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle”) mentioned Goldspot in a movie he did called “Dude Where’s the Party”. And to complete this blurb it’s interesting to note that John Cho (Harold in “Harold and Kumar..”) sings in an LA band called Left of Zed (Brian in the band sent me their CD).

Lisa Hannigan doesn’t have a record deal does she? She’s all over Damien Rice’s “Blower’s Daughter” not to mention the rest of his god dang catalogue. I’m shocked or I’m ill informed. How does one pass over her stunning physique and smile? Leave it to me to post her frown.

By the end of each week I usually opt for more lo-fi bedroom records with real heart rather than major labeled out demos that spew a chorus in a speedy :50 seconds. So, I favor the solo demos by Brit girl Kate Stables. Evidently she borders on KT Tunstall and Natalie Merchant. I’m aware that she continues to play in a Bristol outfit by the name of Whalebone Polly.

Chicago’s Soil returns with new singer and new songs produced by Ulrich Wild (Static-X, White Zombie, Limp Bizkit). Mainstream grit and mosh with throaty vocals. Managed by The Firm, lawyered by Jeff Light. Career sales at 429,000 worldwide. I was the one who introduced them to their former major label. At the moment they are unsigned.

San Diego loner Angela Correa is a bit like Mary Lou Lord or Sheryl Crow. Just guitar and organ on this one. I heard KCRW radio fancies her.

I did not know Mary Lou Lord had a romance with Kurt Cobain beginning right before “Nevermind” was released in 1991. She also befriended Elliot Smith putting him on her tour bill back when she recorded for Work/Sony.

I posted indie Austin band Wide Awake a few years back. They’ve gone on to career sales of 30,000+ so far. They have a new album. Turns out their friend Molly Simms (yes the MTV host, model/actress) gave a copy to Maverick’s Guy Oseary. Subsequently he asked the band to play for him in LA not long ago.

March 31, 2005

Thus endeth March. And a windy NYC day it is. Today I’m listing bands kicked to the curb like last week’s major label trash. Perhaps I’ll throw in a couple of yet to be signed or indies. Unrelated: You have to promise to play Tangerine Dream’s “Love On a Real Train” (‘Risky Business’ soundtrack) to accompany all reading. Dramatic right? Is there a Tom Cruise movie where he’s not running down a street, standing in the rain or running down the street in the rain?

Flaw, albeit they have no singer currently, did about 428,000 on Republic/Universal over 2 CDs before being dropped.

Wheatus did 1 million worldwide on their debut Columbia CD before being dropped in the U.S. I believe their 2nd record is just sitting at their website for sale (no U.S. distro).

Authority Zero did 140,000 on Lava over 2 CDs before being dropped.

Luce did 30,000 on their Nettwerk debut. They have a new indie CD w/ campaign to follow.

The Appleseed Cast did almost 10,000 on indie Tiger Style. They are now unsigned.

Rye Coalition, produced by Dave Grohl, is free of Universal/Dreamworks with masters in hand. The CD was never released.

Matt Nathanson is free of Universal/Cherry. His major label debut did about 45,000 without much promotion.

Afroman just sold about 30,000 of his indie record in under a year. You recall he did 870,000 on Universal (1.5 million worldwide).

Hackensaw Boys are a southern bluegrass rock group from Charlottesville. Over 2 CDs they’ve sold 20,000. Recently they supported the Black Crowes and Cracker in NYC.

Cary Brothers sold 6000 of his EP (song on Garden State soundtrack). In addition he sold 10,000 “Blue Eyes” singles and 2000 iTunes downloads.

Sunday Driver has sold a career 10,000 with the help of indie Doghouse. 500 shows under their belt. Warped Tour southeast dates to come.

Research says Atlantic act The Donnas have sold shy of 100K on their latest (or 70K by 3/7/05). Remember their debut did about 400K?

March 30, 2005

The Party Ben website posts mashups (remixes) of popular songs. He morphs 2 or more songs by different stars into a linear dance formula. You know him as a specialty DJ at San Francisco’s Live 105 radio.

March 29, 2005

Gorillaz new video. It’s so far and away from what others are doing. Always a treat.

Morrissey releases “Who Put the M in Manchester” DVD today. Click link to see “There is a light..” live footage. It’s pretty hot despite the fact that he throws a shirt from his 45 year old sweaty body into the audience. Also available is the “Morrissey Live at Earls Court” CD. Not much else worth buying on Release Tuesday. The fact that Beck voiced his opinion on how so much of the music out there sounds the same is relatively entertaining. As if his CD is SO different, ______ please! Stereophonics, The Bravery hit stores today. And of course I can’t wait to get my copy of Will Smith. I’m kidding.

March 24, 2005

The Modern Rock Radio Format, All That We Left Behind:

WPLY-FM Philadelphia
WHFS-FM Wash D.C.
WLIR-FM Long Island/NYC (92.7)
WOXY-FM Cincinnati

Arguably the format peaked 10 years ago with added fuel from the Seattle fiasco. Ratings across the board are clearly down right now and the prospect of more format switches is definitely in the works at some “key” stations.

If there’s anything to be learned by upswings and downswings in the music industry it’s that there isn’t such a thing as “artist development”. There is such a thing as “culture development”. The longevity of a band’s career usually runs parallel to the culture it’s marketed in. If major music entities insist on exploiting “subculture” movements before they’re truly ripe with solid foundations (a William Gibson concept), it’s no surprise that the cycle will run much shorter in that “genre” of music. Essentially it ends before it really begins.

On the other hand, the starving Trent Reznors, Kurt Cobains, Jeff Tweedys and Billy Joe Armstrongs aren’t about to turn down offers that promise them the world–so to hell with waiting. It just so happens jumping ship from their indie beginnings worked out well for them! I’ve confused myself, but I’m sure there is a point buried in that rubbish. It’s just very hard to articulate without over-analyzing.

So, in essence the recent cycles went like this, see if you can follow the timeline:

Lollapalooza-Seattle Sound-STP/Industrial Goth-NIN/Pre Lilith era-Tori/Rap Rock-Rage Against/LA Metal Punk-Jane’s Addic-RHCP/Indie Crossover-Smashing P/Pop Punk-Green Day-Offspring/Middle of Road Rock-Hootie phenomenon/ Jeff Buckley “Grace”-Alterna country-Radiohead “Bends”/ Brit Pop-Oasis-The Verve developing/Grassroots-pays off for Dave Matthews/Ska-Electronic-Bjork/Pop Rock-Alanis-California-Orange County-Sugar Ray-Sublime-No Doubt-Third Eye B-Smashmouth-Tonic/Lilith Fest-Jewel-Fiona-McLachlan/Middle of Road Rock-Matchbox 20 phenomenon/Elliot Smith hitting stride/Rap Rock peaks-Korn/Nu Metal-Tool/Rehashed Eddie Vedder-Creed/Garage of NYC-Detroit-UK-Rough Trade Records/Emo-Rehashed Sunny Day Real Estate-Pop Punk-Blink 182/Rehashed 80s-Brit Dance Rock/Rehashed Radiohead-Coldplay-Travis-Buckley-U2

March 23, 2005

I dig watching the latest Feeder video. I would say they’re the only band other than the Goo Goo Dolls who can make a career out of recycling the same chords every song. I’m not even kidding about that. The Gin Blossoms came close but were never in it for the longhaul. Now, this video is a lesson on how to compose a compartmentalized pop song a la verse-build-chorus-bridge etc. It also has the loner Englishman concept (see Verve, Athlete, Coldplay) and the standard rooftop jam to boot. Anyhow, their last CD was released by Republic/Universal in the States. The new 2005 CD has no label in the U.S. yet the band is massive back home in the UK/Europe. They headlined Wembley Arena (10,000) two years ago and have career sales at 1 million+.

Hm…and further Gil Norton (Foo Fighters, Counting Crows, Pixies) produced the Feeder CD. Why mention him? Because I’m about to tie in some self promotion to show that this little piggy (me) has some juice–not that anyone’s reading. So where was I? Oh right, Gil. Well, he also completed production on the upcoming release by NYC’s Morningwood (Capitol). How did Morningwood find their manager? Through me–is the answer. I used to talk to singer Chantal…and then posted the band…and so on and so forth.

March 22, 2005

Release Tuesdays Picks:

French model Carla Bruni (V2) brings her album to America. She sold 1 million copies in France last year. I think back in the day she laid Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Donald Trump (not simultaneously). Bloc Party (Vice) finally arrives on U.S. shores as does Aqualung (Red Ink/Columbia). The Decemberists (Kill Rock Stars) have a CD produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie. It’s a bit nasally for my taste. Moby (V2) returns with “Hotel” and plans to market the CD via the “W” hotel chain.

Atlanta indie boys Red Letter Agent are charting at specialty radio. They work hard and are gearing up to shoot a video. Expect U2, Modern English, Longwave etc.

March 21, 2005

I’m guest listed to see the Aqualung show tonight at Bowery Ballroom. Record in stores tomorrow. Marty Diamond at Little Big Man Booking (Doves, Snow Patrol, Scissor Sisters) signed Aqualung for the U.S. through his Slightly Bigger/Red Ink/Columbia label. Irish act The Devlins open the show (their last major song placement was in the film ‘Closer’ during the strip club scene).

How Tight is Commercial Radio in 2005?
Let the radio consultants tell you themselves. This quote from a Jacobs Media website:

“…Bill Jacobs ran across a rough version of Audioslave’s ‘We Got The Whip’ floating around on file-sharing sites. After the label released its four singles in lock-step order, ‘Whip’ turned up as an import B-side on ‘Like A Stone.’ We started talking it up (it’s a good song) and many clients began to play it. However, these stations were pressured by the label, the management company, and the band itself to stop playing the song…”

So in summary: radio, the hated consolidated medium, tries to be adventurous by expanding its playlist–and who interferes? By golly, the artist reps! But irony can be comforting.

Speaking of Audioslave, here is the brand new single in disturbing 56k quality: “Be Yourself”. Their shameless attempt to go Top 40.

GO! Formerly known as The Scenes, they’ve been generating a good buzz lately. GO! were selected as one of 12 bands to watch out for by canoe.ca after their CMW performance this year and are showcased in Canadian Musician Magazine this month. They have recently started booking through S.L. Feldman and Associates and a pressing of 1000 copies of their latest EP produced by Arnold Lanni (Simple Plan, Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven) disappeared in under a month. They are working with Coalition Entertainment Management (Simple Plan, Our Lady Peace) and plan to tour and possibly start the recording of a full length this summer. Contact Mike.

5.17.05

While exiting Central Park at 76th/5th Ave, I just walked by this small film crew shooting Jerry Seinfeld and Gary Shandling having a casual, documentary-like chat. The camera guy switched angles and suddenly I was in the shot which made me somewhat uncomfortable.

Newcomers Home from Boulder, Colorado. Managed by Mark Bliesener (used to do Lyle Lovett, Big Head Todd). Here’s a band from my old stomping ground. When I attended the University of Colorado, I watched in real time the upward spiral of bands like The Samples and Big Head Todd. Both actually went somewhere (couple million+ sold between the both of them). Well, Newcomers are doing the roots thing and they sell out the Fox and Boulder Theaters out there. Newest CD recorded with Gary Paczosa (Dixie Chicks). Career sales might be at 12-15K or higher. In all they very well may have grossed 100-110K as a touring indie band (speculation).

I’m still fixated on Iron & Wine’s “Naked As We Came” (Sub Pop 2004). Songwriter Sam Beam is almost perfect. Evocative is an understatement. He’s Damien Rice x 100? Elliot Smith, Simon & Garfunkel…

5.11.05

South African/Australian Jeremy Gregory is signed to Warner Bros. He needs a keyboardist for his band. Leave your band in the dust and join him if ya got the chops. He’s described as a Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway type.

5.08.05

These DVDs are required viewing for struggling musicians, bands and future industry execs. It’s like musicology 101, check out the trailers:

Dig! (our Demo Diaries friends Adam Shore, ex-TVT now Vice Records man, and Nina Ritter, ex-Elektra A&R, are talking heads in this feature–I met her once at her office and she was telling me how she signed Feeder’s first CD for the U.S. Anyhow it’s a brilliant documentary on two supposed rival bands of the late 90s; The Dandy Warhols [who spent $400,000 on their first ever Capitol Records video!] and the insane Brian Jonestown Massacre, a band that got into an internal, blood drawing brawl at their first major label Viper Room showcase for Elektra execs).

Live Forever (how Brit rock broke in the 1990s).

End of the Century (this is the history of The Ramones and how they inspired bands like The Clash, Sex Pistols and a good portion of the music today. Seymour Stein among many others is a talking head in this one. He used to know me and really, really like me. I swear).

Mayor of the Sunset Strip (KROQ DJ Rodney Bingenheimer’s story. Dramarama member turned DJ Chris Carter is a talking head in this one. He used to talk to me on the phone about that band The Wondermints he was intent on breaking).

5.06.05

Grace is an indie band from Wales, UK. Despite offering shite 64k quality, the Welshmen hit me like a mid-spring left hook. I fear they’re happening too fast for their own good. Perhaps they’re rejuvenating my interest in Damien Rice or Ben Folds. To recap, listen to Demo 1 and Demo 2.

5.05.05

Marie. 21 year old from LA who has a publishing deal already. No label yet. Her current management used to handle a worldwide superstar back in the day. Anyhow, she’s keen on the sappy, youth pop so we’ll see what’s in store for her in coming weeks. The tune fits right in with one of them wacky Mandy Moore flics, yea?

Aderbat from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Bossa nova-esque ditties like this are almost a requirement these days on VW commercials. Produced by Andrew Weiss (Ween, Rollins Band). The band plays NYC’s Pianos 5/31. Who might attend? Octone, Warner Bros, Blu Hammock, ATO, Artemis, Epic, RCA, Or, Columbia.

The Fire and Reason – Electro-rock from NYC. Like an evil Gwen Stefani fronting Primal Scream. Over 16,000 profile views on Myspace and over 5,300 fans in just 5 months. Will be featured in URB Magazine after winning the Team Sleep remix contest. Indie Label interest (Hotfoot Records). Upcoming shows in NYC-The Delancey 7/14, Sin-e 8/3. Check out song “Her Evil”. Contact info@thefireandreason.com.

Josh O’Connor – Las Vegas singer/songwriter that has teamed up with drummer Anthony Parulli (who also performs as a Blue Man in the Blue Man Group), bass player Mark Piazza, and engineer/producer Jason Cupp (Evanescence, Avril Lavigne, The Valley Arena) to record a full length album come August at Ocean Studios Burbank. “Victorian” ep due out 2nd week in June. Local and industry buzz. Contact through web site.

. . . .

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6.27.05

I noticed a 2 month old article on Southeast band picks by Creative Loafing. Eliot Morris is on that list. If I’m not mistaken, I profiled him in fall 2002–he went on to sign a development deal with Strummer/Universal. Unrelated, I also never mentioned that Judd & Maggie (profiled in D. Diaries earlier) ended up on RCA Victor with an album due in August ‘05. NYC indie band The Fire and Reason play The Delancey 7/14. Their Myspace page is hitting 17,000 views. Look for them in URB magazine. Capitol Heights, Maryland pop rapper Hitchhiker will remind you of Will Smith meets Puffy meets Tupac. Try “Summer Feeling” featured on his site. Atlanta’s The Bracketts have 11,300 plays at Purevolume.com. Try their song “American Reason” which is roughly in the Jimmy Eat World vein.

6.24.05

Franklin, Tennessee indie girl Nissi Bergman. 18 years old. On paper it would seem she’s developing like a Howie Day type. 20,000 Myspace views, 6700 friends. Will open for Avril Lavigne, Tyler Hilton. Guided by her production team Jan Smith & Huston Singletary (Rob Thomas, Whitney Houston), she’s more Hot AC (i.e. The Corrs) than Hip AC (i.e. Michelle Branch). Manager is Michael Lorick (tour accountant for Bruce Springsteen). Columbia Records president Steve Greenberg signs Maryland pop rocker Mike Ruocco (of the bands Plunge and SR-71) to a development deal. Steve’s A&R/exec history includes Hanson, Baha Men and Joss Stone. Orlando rock band Big 10-4 signs to Universal.

6.23.05

Bridgeport, Connecticut’s The Alternate Routes. Indie CD released 4 weeks ago. Produced by Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin, John Hiatt). For fans of Ryan Adams, Jayhawks, Finn Brothers, David Gray. It’s melodic-fantastic. Danny Hest is manager. So good, two songs are posted here: “Time is a Runaway” and “Ordinary”.

Austin, TX indie band A New Revolution has their song “Let Go” officially added 8x/week at Emmis owned commercial station KROX-FM. Band members used to be in Unloco and Slaves On Dope. After penning songs for Charlotte Church, Lemar and a host of others, songwriter Wyl-e has the sincere attention of UK publishers Sony, Universal, Notting Hill Music, Modest Music (no deal closed yet). Montreal indie badasses Priestess (posted in D. Diaries March 2005) are being flown to LA (by multiple labels?) for a Spacelend gig on 6/29. Expected are booking agents, publishers and so on…NYC indie band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah were arguably on the radar since December ‘04 but it’s just this past Monday that they were graced with David Bowie’s presence at a NYC Knitting Factory show. No doubt their 7/20 Brooklyn Southpaw show will be jampacked up the wazoo (Arcade Fire part 2, haha). Lastly, I cannot resist posting the song “F*ck Me Mummy I Feel Ugly” by Glasgow, UK rockers Mother and The Addicts.

6.22.05

I found myself at the previously mentioned Bell X1 show last night at NYC’s Mercury Lounge. Damien Rice was a former bandmate to these fellas. The draw was about 100 folks. Respectable. Irish expats included. Next stop for them is LA’s KCRW radio. They support Snow Patrol at Ireland’s Fitzgerald Stadium on 7/1. Their records are not licensed in the U.S. Signed to Island UK. 2003 CD went platinum back home. Locals Majorette followed with a set to about 50-60 people. Previously mentioned, this band was formerly Blend Engine and now records for indie label Type A. Previously mentioned Jersey girl Lisa Bouchelle now has 2 indie offers. Yesterday she showcased for Hollywood and Lava at NYC’s Montana Studios. Previously mentioned Doylestown, Pennsylvania band Aderbat plays an industry showcase at NYC’s Arlene Grocery tonight, 8pm. I’ll be there! Ryan McCombs (ex-Soil) to be the new singer for Drowning Pool?

6.20.05

Millie Manning from Northborough, Massachusetts. She’s just 17 and a pleasant, little surprise. Oh how that Natalie Merchant, Beth Orton, Carly Simon sound is sorely missed. It’s back. Produced by Anthony Resta (Collective Soul, Duran Duran).
A.D.D. from Chicago. They return with new songs recorded by Tadpole (Disturbed, 3 Doors Down) at Groovemaster Studios. Hard rock with the female lead is hard to come by nowadays. Shows at Double Door 6/29 and Milwaukee’s Summerfest.
Josh O’Connor from Las Vegas. A young crooner who borrows from Billy Corgan, Sade, Simply Red, Jeff Buckley.
Twin Wrecks the Memory will attempt to destroy Chicago venue The Mutiny on 6/25 followed by a show with The Fags (Sire) on 6/26.

6.14.05

My Missy Higgins digi-photos from last Thursday night came out too dark. I presume she now draws up to 5000 (with support) back home in Sydney. Here in NYC she played to about 70-80 folks, most likely expats.

Tomorrow I’m on the Mercury Lounge guest list to see Aussie band Youth Group (Epitaph) followed by locals Astronaut. In other news, our San Francisco friends Solid State Logic have signed up with producer Sylvia Massy’s label National Recorder/UNI distro. Album being mastered by John Cuniberti (Metallica, Deftones). SSL’s recent draw at San Francisco’s Slims was 500 people.

6.9.05

Madison Fair from Columbia, South Carolina. Lawyer is Richard Gusler. Mastered by Jacquire King (Modest Mouse, Third Eye Blind). Atlantic, Lava, Columbia, Hollywood, Arista on the tip. Not unlike Rob Thomas, Maroon 5, Train. Contact Justin.
Myspace A&R:
Previously posted Gainesville, FL indie band Time has the milestone 10,900 views and an impressive 5581 friends. That’s alot in geek speak. 2005 CD. Buzz 100.5 radio add. 1000 units sold in 4 weeks. No lawyer. Managed by Gold Mountain’s Jerrod Wilkins. They remind me of the now defunct Athenaeum who sold 100,000 on Atlantic in 1998.
Previously mentioned Pennsylvania/Maryland indie boys Malvado return with a 2005 CD. The Sevendust, Deftones boat may have sailed though.

6.8.05

Aubrey Collins from Littleton, Colorado. I posted her a couple of years back. Still only 17, she completed a demo with Trey Bruce (Faith Hill, Trace Adkins). She’s now signed with Monterey Peninsula Artists booking. Legal is Roberts & Ritholz. Again with the Kelly Clarkson, LeAnn Rimes sound. These kids have old souls. I mean she’s as good as this chic Hope Partlow that Virgin is pushing now.

-HEAT SHEET-

1. Priestess
(unsigned)

2. The Alternate Routes
(unsigned)

3. Marie
(unsigned)

4. Retrograde
(unsigned)

5. Nerina Pallot
(unsigned)

6.28.05

Where music biz people hang out:
NYC’s Mercury Lounge 7/9 bill, We Are Scientists (Virgin), Bishop Allen (Polyvinyl), Rye Coalition (unsigned). Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ NYC’s Southpaw 7/20 and Mercury Lounge 7/27 (sold out). NYC’s Sylvie Lewis @ Tonic 6/30 with Jaymay and The Jealous Girlfriends.

–Adverts

The Volunteers – NYC rockers just finished their west coast tour in support of their Onion Magazine approved debut album. Think Elvis Costello meets AC/DC. Industry buzz in NYC and LA. Over 23,000 Myspace plays, site owner Tom is a fan, featured twice on the main page. Check out “So Deep for So Cheap” on Myspace and watch their music video for “Real Man”. Currently shopping for new management. Contact Dan or 212-333-5036.

2 Left Feet – Tallahassee, FL. New album mixed by Dave Dominguez (Papa Roach, Staind), mastered by Dave Collins (Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age). 7000 Myspace fans. Pursuing booking agent, management, legal, and label. NYC show at Knitting Factory on Monday, July 11th @ 11pm. Contact Dwayne Byrd or 850-570-5145.

–

8.5.05

LA girl Kari Kimmel profiled in D. Diaries September 22, 2003 signs to Virgin (and earlier Chrysalis Publishing). Jacksonville, Florida’s The Summer Obsession profiled October 20, 2004 signed to Virgin. Welsh, UK band Grace profiled May 6, 2005 is signing to Virgin UK. Previously featured NYC act The Exit now goes through Wind-Up Records. Swedish indie band White Silver will do their NYC label showcase 9/12 Arlene’s Grocery @ 8:30. Their song “In Brief” appears in the EA game “Total Club Manager 2006″ (Adam Wacht manager). Philly girl Lisa Bouchelle still has activity around here including Atlantic, Virgin, Artemis, Lava, and Blue Note/Manhattan. Atlanta’s Scent arrives in NYC 8/24 for a label showcase at Arlene’s Grocery.

7.24.05

The Five O’Clock Heroes from NYC. When did they make the leap from pseudo indie buzz band to officially recognized industry buzz band? Is there a difference between the two as of late? Produced by Eli Janney (Girls Against Boys, The Rapture, Ryan Adams). Their team consists of manager Pat Carr (used to run Infectious UK label) and lawyers Peter McGaughrin UK and Jeff Worob U.S. (Serling, Rooks & Ferrara). Their press agents are Magnum PR U.S. and Press Counsel PR U.K. Media fans include NME, BBC Radio 1, MTV2 Europe. Most impressive to me is the fact that at one point they played 40 shows in 43 days. Toured with The Bravery, Brendan Benson and The Paddingtons.

7.21.05

Previously mentioned Lisa Bouchelle is scheduled to be the first unsigned artist to secure distribution through a certain major retail chain that’s seen a prominent rise in the past year. Reportedly Blue Note/Manhattan/EMI is the latest to take an interest in her. Photographer Mark Weiss (Bon Jovi, Ozzy, Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas) is a fan and has completed some shoots. Lawyer is Lou Takacs at Davis, Shapiro, Lewit, Montone & Hayes. It’s best to see her stripped down acoustic performance by scheduling a meeting with manager Hal Selzer. Lelia Broussard from Philadelphia. Only 16 years old, this indie girl is developing quite the voice. I dropped in at her NYC Bitter End show last night. Surely I recognized some industry faces, lawyers etc. I hear Columbia is quite interested among others. Producer Russ Titleman (Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor) wants in on it. The rough vocal demo I posted has an uncanny similarity to Tristan Prettyman (Virgin debut August ‘05). Radio fans include WXPN. Imogen Heap’s album “Speak for Yourself” had a UK release on 7/18 through her own indie label Megaphonic. Recently, she hit #8 on iTunes UK with “Hide and Seek”. This song was featured for 3 mins on the season finale of The O.C. She is still negotiating a licensing deal for U.S. release. In other news, she’s placed a song on an upcoming “Six Feet Under” DVD in addition to penning a track for a future movie featuring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. Her publisher is Rondor/Universal. The “Garden State” soundtrack resurrected her career more or less. She was originally signed to Almo Sounds in 1997.

–Adverts

The Wah Wah’s career looks like it’s gotten off to a good start with the news that legendary U.S. DJ Rodney Bingenheimer has already played a prerelease copy of their new single “Pleasure Yeah Yeah” on his KROQ show ‘Rodney on the Roq’ in L.A. Since he played it, the band have got some interest from a few U.S. companies; one of them is the independent Toucan Cove who have a diverse range of artists. Contact paulbeat@eircom.net.

Dirtywhite Fashion. NEW.ROCK.REAL. Reality Music, the sophomore release from NYC-based rock group Dirtywhite Fashion. Described as “an amalgam of some of the greatest rock acts in recorded history” by Shut Eye Records’ President Pete Knapp, Dirtywhite Fashion has the unmistakable sound of invention and true artistry with their Zeppelin-esque rhythm section, inventive guitar work and lead singer/guitarist Feck’s instantly identifiable voice-ranging from a whisper to a scream to a soaring falsetto. With 3 singles from Reality Music already in the top 20 at Garageband.com, look for Dirtywhite Fashion on the road in November and Reality Music for sale online now! Contact Christie for more info.

8.25.05

More tales of former Demo Diaries bands that got signed:

I had posted Denver band The Fray way back in early spring of 2004. I used to exchange emails with member Joe King. I can tell you that Epic Records wrote me asking how to contact the band. Subsequently Epic signed the band months later. They have a CD due out 9/13 and the first video is “Over My Head (Cable Car)”. Once I brought early songs by NYC’s The Exit into MCA when it was a standalone label. All I got in response was “it’s nice…good”. So, a few years ago I went and saw the band on a random Saturday night at the now defunct Ludlow St. Luna Lounge. I was one of about 8 people there. The drummer was great though. Wind-Up signed and will release the band October ‘05 (previously Some Records). NYC’s Morningwood will release their debut Capitol album on 8/30. Years ago I had some brief interactions with the band’s singer Chantal Claret-she talked of encounters with The Strokes and members of Blondie or perhaps it was Moby? Well, as I mentioned in earlier diaries, I posted Morningwood in 2002 and they were discovered in Demo Diaries by what is now The Greenhouse/David Passick Management. I notice they’re getting 19 spins/week on commerical stations like WNNX-FM/Atlanta. Remember that London band The Strays I posted almost a year ago on September 24, 2004? They went on to sign with TVT this past May 2005.

8.24.05

Lava/Atlantic pop band The Click Five just sold 51,541 copies their first week. What the hell is that? No new band does that. I’m thoroughly suspicious and equally enraged. Just kidding. How’d they do it? Well, they basically ripped off Evan & Jaron’s “Crazy for This Girl” and renamed it “Just the Girl”. I’m kidding again. Actually Fountains of Wayne member Adam Schlesinger wrote “Just the Girl” for the band and it was produced by Boston homie Mike Denneen (Aimee Mann, Howie Day). David Chidekel is Click Five’s lawyer and he also represents this 19 year old Hoboken, Georgia indie girl Abby Owens. She’s a bit like Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls, Janis Joplin. It appears Universal is flying her to NYC the first week of September. I mentioned unsigned Philly girl Lelia Broussard over a month ago and folks from Lippman Entertainment (Rob Thomas, Matchbox Twenty, Anna Nalick) discovered her in Demo Diaries (they went to her NYC show last Friday). Today’s listening consists of young Irishmen The Wah Wah’s. Hibernating beneath their T. Rex meets early 90s Blur, Suede debauchery is a pleasant dose of thorazine that makes my drool all the sweeter. I want to say they’re influenced by Donovan also but that’s just a flat out lie.

8.18.05

Manchester, England’s Louise Rhodes. You knew her as 1/2 of the trip-hop duo Lamb (video link above, “Gabriel”). They were stars in the UK/Europe but only made small inroads here in the States via powerhouse tastemakers KCRW radio and “Six Feet Under”. Koch distributed their last couple of releases but Rhodes doesn’t have a licensing deal for her first solo CD due in September.

8.12.05

Seattle indie duo Smoosh. Ages 11 and 13, these sisters sound of muddled synth and dorky rhythm. But what do I know, Vice Magazine gave them a “10 out of 10″, Alternative Press a “5 out of 5″ while NME called them “the hottest new band in the US underground”. They’re managed by Zeitgeist Artists (Death Cab for Cutie). I’ll venture to say they’re a popified Stereolab under the guise of Hanson’s youth. In reality, the track “Massive Cure” might warrant a nod to The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” sans polish. They’re butchered lo-fi, queens of redux….honestly who talks this way? ‘Tis true, music journalism is so over. Smoosh play NYC’s Knitting Factory 8/17 @ 10pm and support Sufjan Stevens at the Bowery Ballroom 8/19. In other news, Molly Beanland of Ipswich, England signs to Island UK. Jacksonville, Florida indie boys The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus play 4 shows in the next month 8/27-9/29. My lips are sealed…hint, hint. They have 357,000 Myspace plays.

8.9.05

William Tell from Orange County. He’s forging ahead with a solo career after leaving Something Corporate a year and a half ago. Still under the guidance of manager Andy Gould (Damian Marley, Jurassic 5, Rob Zombie) and APA Booking. To date, I don’t think he’s signed to a label. Nashville’s Matt Wertz is still indie as far as I know. He continues to have the big guns behind him including Nettwerk Management (Avril Lavigne, Sarah McLachlan, Arctic Monkeys) and CAA booking. I believe he’s currently recording in the studio with producers Dave Barnes and Ed Cash.

Paul Manousos’ solo debut For Better or Worse introduces audiences to a passionate, charismatic singer/songwriter whose talents are no secret to in-the-know music lovers worldwide. The 12 tracks produced by Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden) and mastered by Greg Calbi (John Lennon, Bob Dylan) range from radio-ready conscious pop and searing anthems to haunting ballads. All are potent, stick-in-your-head tunes that evidence Paul?s growing reputation as a songwriter to watch in addition to his renown as an incendiary performer. In support of his new release, Paul will be featured on KFOG radio in San Francisco as an emerging local artist beginning in September and has plans to be back out on the road in the U.S. in October.

8.29.05

Norwegian 24 year old Lene Marlin has sold about 2.3 million albums in Europe (EMI Virgin). Quite frankly, I’ve never heard of her until today. She sounds and looks like Jewel. I’m to assume she’s never been licensed in the U.S.? Hey, the Imogen Heap video for “Hide and Seek” is now viewable. Her album is still not out in the States. Look for her on “The OC 2″ soundtrack as well. Eloquently put, the new Simple Minds CD (Sanctuary) will probably stink. The new Echo & The Bunnymen CD (Cooking Vinyl) will stink less. Above links are to their latest videos.

[--Demo of the Day--]

Tampa Bay, Florida’s Suburban Tragedy. As previously mentioned, sales leading up to the newest release log in at around 10,000. Tampa Bay WSUN-FM commercial radio program director Shark tells Demo Diaries,

“There’s some real solid music coming from these guys.”

December 16, 2005

Guillemots seem to be a very popular London indie band albeit a bit offbeat. They completed support dates with Rufus Wainwright and just released music on the Fantastic Plastic label. Their London Borderline show was sold out recently (300 folks) and research says they appear to be on several internet m essage boards heralded as “a brilliant band”. For a short time you can stream their “Trains to Brazil” single on the Demo Diaries player.

Other News: UK band Seven Seals signed with V2 some time ago and expect an ‘06 release produced by Yorkie (of 90s UK band Space). Canadian female 5 piece The Organ signed with Too Pure/Beggars. They’re consistently compared to Debbie Harry and early Cure.

December 15, 2005

Moving Units are gonna leave the Palm Pictures label, so they’ll be free agents. Already in talks with a few new industry folks. The above is a Myspace link with some new lo-fi demos posted. January 27 show at House of Blues (Anaheim). They have a healthy 141,000 Myspace plays and 12,000 friends.

December 13, 2005

Nottingham, UK indie band Story One have something to show with their Tindersticks, Thom Yorke, Jeff Buckley sound. What you want to do is hit their music page and skip to the song “Clementine”. The Simon Lawler (Shed Seven, Mark Burgess) managed indie UK band Iko is for those who fancy a straightforward pop rock band vaguely influenced by Placebo, The Music, Starsailor, Radiohead, early Smashing Pumpkins. On the other hand, it sounds like singer Kieran Scragg just took a long, fat swig from a helium balloon. Iko has a 10 song CD complete which can be sampled right here.

Band manager/Trump Card Records owner Richard Williams, who helped launch artists like Self (Spongebath/Dreamworks) and Van Hunt (Capitol), tells Demo Diaries,

“Suburban Tragedy’s ‘Epitome of Me’ was added to ‘Repeat it or Delete it’ on 97x (WSUN Tampa, FL). They beat out Atreyu, Yellow Card, POD and Blink 182. They are now on the top 5 at 9. They have been beating out Fall Out Boy, which came in second. ST will be playing the 97X ‘The Next Big Thing’ show in December in front of 15 to 20 thousand people.”

Demo “Epitome of Me”
Demo “Goodbye, Goodluck, Goodnight”

Contact is manager Richard Williams

December 11, 2005

Is it true? Radiohead in negotiations to score the upcoming Richard Linklater film A Scanner Darkly (Warner films)?

Come to think of it, what else will the UK/Ireland export to America in 2006?

Richard Ashcroft’s video is now posted. You know his new CD comes out in the UK on Parlophone/EMI Records January 23. The U.S. release date TBD. The “Break the Night With Colour” single is a bit mundane and there’s no way he’ll break in the U.S. (again). Shucks, he’s still so cool though. Bollocks! Ashcroft’s wife Kate Radley used to play with Spiritualized who have an April 4 release date on Sanctuary Records. To date, Idlewild hasn’t necessarily closed a deal with a new label after departing the Parlophone/EMI family. They can’t break in the U.S. either. Hard-Fi has no concrete U.S. release date (Warner family). Bell X1 (Universal) has no U.S. release date; neither do their Island Records UK mates Cherryfalls and Fightstar (those grungy London kids). The Go! Team, they came out in the States last Oct. 4–Columbia must still be working them…somehow…er..somewhere…in some market here. Editors made some UK noise in ‘05 on label Kitchenware/Sony. No news on any U.S. release for them. South will put out a 2006 full length on Young American Recordings (the same label doing the APB re-issue. You remember APB had that 80s modern rock hit “Shoot You Down”). UB40 will put out their 23rd album in America on 1/24 via Rhino Records.

Let’s take a break for a moment and nominate the “Remixer” of the moment: Kevin Shields (formerly of My Bloody Valentine). He’s ubiquitous. It’s disturbing.

Morrissey will release “Ringleader of The Tormentors” produced by Tony Visconti. Astralwerks Records is mad in 2006 with U.S. releases from Gemma Hayes, Fatboy Slim, Badly Drawn Boy, Placebo and Beth Orton. Van Morrison returns with a standards album. Belle and Sebastian will be releasing a new 13 song CD ‘The Life Pursuit’ in North America (under license from Rough Trade) on February 7. Scottish band Mogwai (Matador) has a new CD hitting U.S. streets in March. Arab Strap follows its Europe release with a Stateside deal on indie Transdreamer Records. Mute brings back Goldfrapp in March for another CD. Oh how that Goldfrapp website is annoying, so so annoying. Vice Records continues with The Streets third LP this Spring while V2 hustles its Sheridan Square owned arse to prep U.S. marketing plans for The Rakes and Elbow. Noisettes should see a release on Interscope come Spring and Razorlight (Universal) may be scheduled for their sophomore LP in June. William Orbit’s new forthcoming album “Hello Waveforms” will be released on Sanctuary records February 7th for the USA. Towers of London are holed up in a Los Angeles studio till 12/23 recording for a 2006 TVT release. The KT Tunstall record drops 2/7 in the States through Virgin Records. Simple Minds make another go at it by releasing a U.S. full length via Sanctuary in April. Former Kinks man Ray Davies puts out his LP ?Other People’s Lives? on V2 February 7. Saint Etienne hits U.S. shores 1/24 via the Savoy Jazz label–Feb 13 NYC Irving Plaza show as well. Arctic Monkeys’ CD “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” will have a UK release 1/30, no word on U.S. commitments yet. The Mylo LP comes out here 2/7 on Breastfed/RCA. Louise Rhodes (formerly of Lamb) has no U.S. date yet for her first solo outing “Beloved One”. The Corrs have a new Mitchell Froom produced CD out in the States on Rhino/Atlantic 2/7. No U.S. date for David Gilmour’s (Pink Floyd) new EMI solo CD out 3/6 in the UK (his last solo album was 22 years ago). Graham Coxon (Blur) sees a UK release on Parlophone 3/13. Elton John to release “Captain Fantastic and the Kid” 3/21. Buzzcocks new album due on Merge Records in March. The Fiery Furnaces “Bitter Tea” due on Rough Trade in coming months. Elvis Costello collaborates with Allen Toussaint for a 2006 CD on Verve Records. Travis finishes up its Nigel Godrich produced CD for ‘06 release. The Prodigy will put out both a “Greatest Hits” collection (Feb. 7) and an entire new full length later in ‘06. Massive Attack aim for a new September ‘06 release (guests include Liz Fraser of Cocteau Twins). Snow Patrol will put out a new Garrett Lee produced CD in ‘06. Keane will also hit the streets with a new Andy Green produced album as early as May ‘06. Ian Brown (of Stone Roses) will try to get a new CD out next summer or fall. Notably Blur hopes to get a new EP out in ‘06.

And all the following may or may not have scheduled releases throughout 2006: David Bowie (ISO/Columbia), Jeff Beck (Epic), former Spice Girl Emma Bunton (19 Records/Universal), Psychedelic Furs’ Richard Butler (Koch), The Cure (Sanctuary), The Delays (Rough Trade, February), Def Leppard (covers CD on Universal), Embrace (Lava), Duran Duran (Epic), Roxy Music (9 songs finished to date), Bauhaus (a reunion CD?), and The Charlatans (Sanctuary) who completed recording a new CD last month at London?s Townhouse studios.

Other News:

Big Hassle Management’s Dawn Barger tells Demo Diaries,

“The Decemberists have signed to Capitol. We’re still working out recording dates and thus release dates.”

December 8, 2005

Jenny Owen Youngsis a 24 year old indie girl from NYC. For months we’ve been keeping tabs on her. In a parallel universe she’s an aspiring Erin Mckeown (Nettwerk Records), Rachael Yamagata (RCA Victor) or Frente (remember Frente! on Mammoth Records/Atlantic in the 1990s?). But back here she’s just good, but not very good or great yet. Nevertheless, Youngs wouldn’t be posted here if she wasn’t going to end up on say Rounder Records/Universal, Manhattan/EMI, Matador, Drag City or even Nettwerk. She plays Los Angeles tonight and returns to NYC 12/21 sharing a benefit bill with Duncan Sheik at the Living Room. She’s managed by Nicole Martin (Rachael Yamagata) and uses Emily Lichter for PR (Andrew Bird, Sandra Bernhard, Melissa Ferrick, Janis Ian, Chris Whitley).

November 30, 2005

Demo Diaries was mentioned in Billboard’s December 3 issue, page 40. Demo Diaries website was the source for “The Beat” column’s story on Q Prime’s new label Grunion Records. Demo Diaries has appeared in Billboard Magazine a grand total of 3 times now.

November 21, 2005

The Voom Blooms are a bunch of Loughborough, England indie kids whose pop rock arrogance, albeit involuntary, will find its way across the ‘06 starting line prematurely but with gusto and a cushy destiny. Together only 6 months, these good looking coots have already found themselves propagated by Channel 4, BBC’s Lamacq, and the In The City music conference. Imagine all this after the boys rushed to record a 4 song demo locally in less than a day’s time? Yes, it’s the truth. The band may have plans to record 5 new songs with producer Paul Tipler (Idlewild, Stereolab, Elastica) at Sahara Sound in December. Voom Blooms manager Nathan Leeks (who handles The Paddingtons and producer Owen Morris [Oasis, The Verve]) tells Demo Diaries,

“I’m waiting for confirmation today of a 14 date club NME tour in Jan/Feb, there is a huge demand from promoters for the band.”

Matt Bates at Primary Talent International (Oasis, The Cure etc..) has decided to take on booking duties while Charlotte Saxe at Spraggon, Stennett, Brabyn is now legal. Apparently 6 major labels and 4 publishers have begun calling on the band suggesting a legitimate swell of enthusiasm and anticipation around their music as the new year approaches. For a limited time get their MP3 demo “Politics and Cigarettes”.

Other News:
After long term development with producer/writer Dave Bassett (Evan & Jaron, Flashlight Brown, Luna Halo), Ohio’s Gran Bel Fisher (better known as Jesse Littleton) signed to Hollywood Records two weeks ago.

November 16, 2005

Bad Timing?

About 6 months old now, the final season trailer for “Six Feet Under” is a lesson on how it’s done. Australian girl Sia Furler (Zero 7) is the musical backdrop. She is also found on the new Derailed trailer starring Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owens. Sia was signed to Universal UK label Go Beat Records before inclusion of “Breathe Me” on the “Six Feet Under Vol 2″ 2005 soundtrack but rumor has it sluggish 2004 sales of her “Colour of the Small One” CD got her dropped (Beck even co-wrote a song on this record). In the meantime, Go Beat’s major U.S. counterpart Interscope Records never released the album in America, however, our neighbors to the north Universal Canada did move on the option. The Astralwerks/EMI label (home to Chemical Brothers, Brian Eno, Air) produced the “Vol 2″ 2005 soundtrack so leave it to them to finally put out Sia’s “old” full length in the States come January 2006.

Astralwerks general manager Errol Kolosine tells Demo Diaries, “Our edition will feature bonus tracks”. Sia is published by EMI (“Breathe me” is a co-write with Dan Carey).

Breathe Me Video

Other News:
Unsigned band Suburban Tragedy “Epitome of Me” 97x radio Tampa Bay, Florida add to come? They have been invited to play “97x Next Big Thing Five” Fest with Staind, Trapt, My Chemical Romance and Our Lady Peace.
Ron Delsener will now promote touring bands at NYC venue Avalon known for its famous DJ nights.

November 15, 2005

Previously signed to London Records and Warner/Chappell Publishing, Brit songwriter Gary O’Brien now performs with new indie band Lucho. This moody, new folk soundtrack might find comfort in a quiet winter corridor since left vacant by lyric-centric staples Cat Stevens and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Atlanta indie boy Sam Thacker is now up to 15 spins/week at Top 40 radio WHTF-FM in Tallahassee, Florida. Currently managed by Simon Horrocks (Blue Epic) with legal by Kent Marcus at Zumwalt, Almon & Hayes (Kings of Leon, Vertical Horizon, Faith Hill).

November 10, 2005

Alexi Murdoch is a Brit songwriter in Los Angeles. To date, he’s officially ubiquitous with inclusion of his 2002 song “Orange Sky” (Mind Blue Music/ASCAP) on this trailer to the current Warner film “Paradise Now”. Even before this, you heard him on a Honda commercial, Dawson’s Creek, KCRW-FM and The O.C. and Garden State soundtracks in addition to being featured in just about every arts weekly and national music mag across the country. He’s continued to run on the fumes of the three year old “Four Songs” EP independently pressing 40,000 copies to consumer demand with only a few hundred left to sell (making him CDBaby.com’s best seller of all time). The mastering of a new self-produced full length due in the first quarter of 2006 is being handled by none other than Bob Ludwig. Right at this moment Murdoch is still “unsigned” in both a label and publishing capacity years after turning down major deals at the onset of his budding Nick Drake, Damien Rice like popularity. He preferred to play the indie card but inevitably it’ll be no surprise if he signs a major distribution deal simply because it will help him MORE than he can help himself. Redundant yet relevant examples of organic-folk artists passing the torch to major labels/distro include Jack Johnson and Hootie/Blowfish. Murdoch now uses Gary Gersh as manager, Gary Stiffelman legal (Korn, Fleetwood Mac) and is booked by High Road Touring (Ryan Adams, Aimee Mann).

November 7, 2005

Q Prime Launching Label
by Gary Savelson

Veteran artist managers Cliff Burnstein and Peter Mensch are again expanding their management company into the recording arena with an as yet to be named label. Previously the Q Prime pair joined Zomba Music Group in helming Volcano Records before selling off their 50% share. With 25+ years of experience guiding the careers of such artists as Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Shania Twain, Smashing Pumpkins, Madonna and Garbage, the Q Prime staff are set to officially release up to 4 records a year beginning in 2006. The label’s first U.S. signing is Watford, UK band Mohair, a quirky classic-rock outfit produced by fellow Brits Mark Wallis (U2, Travis, The Smiths) and musician David Ruffy (The Ruts, Atzec Camera, Sinead O?Connor). Says Q Prime’s Walter Flakus (formerly of gold selling act Stabbing Westward and XM Satellite Radio),

“Mohair is the first act I brought to the table. We’re very excited about launching the label with them. We’re keeping everything quite small”.

Back at home in the UK, Mohair will release the album “Small Talk” on their own Ear Candy Records label preceded by the new single “End of the Line”. In actuality the better song off their CD is titled “Life”.

November 4, 2005

Try my premiere Demo Diaries Podcast. 3 unsigned songs, limited voiceover, straight to the point. Now ya get to hear my flitty, no frills DJ voice. DemoDiaries Podcast Nov 4. 12 second broadband download including clips from Matt Woods, Beth Anderson and Jupiter One.

Missed yesterday’s video post? It was Dallas indie band Bril currently released through small label Kirtland/RED.

Still building indie buzz across the pond is Newcastle’s Kubichek with their “Nightjoy” video.

Demo Diaries A&R, 1999-2006, Part 9

Demo Diaries A&R, 1999-2006, Part 8

April 14, 2003

Mappari. Boston. For fans of Train, Counting Crows, Pete Yorn, Cracker. Seemingly they would appear on every kid’s mixed CD coast to coast. Brand new song below. 2500 career sales. Producers include Rob Stevens (Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Lennon, Joan Jett) and Tom Polce (Letters to Cleo). Have sold out Paradise (500), other shows 300, 80-150 in NYC. Specialty play on all Boston commercials. Showcase stats: RCA, Capitol, Atlantic. NYC show at Mercury Lounge April 17. Lawyer is Michael Selverne. Manager Alex Fredericks at alex@mappari.com
www.mappari.com
“Rise”

# Paul Brill. New York City. For fans of Ryan Adams, Elliot Smith. Surely a subtle, clean, charisma in the music. 12th most-added on CMJ charts a couple of weeks ago. 3500 career sales. Press includes Billboard, Mojo, Performing Songwriter, Acoustic Guitar, Paper Magazine. Players on new album include folks from the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Many industry folks on the tip. 150 local draw. NYC CD Release Party at Joe’s Pub April 17. No lawyer or manager yet. Chucky Slavidriva at scarlet.shame@verizon.net
www.paulbrill.com
“Favorite Thing”

# The Pawn Rook Four. Gainesville, Florida. The Strokes meet The Kinks. Determined spunk missing in every day life. MCA, Curb (rock division) on the tip. 4500 career sales. 250+ local draw. The new “Faking a Living” was mastered by Brian “Big Bass” Gardner (Eels, Blink-182, Dr. Dre). Band featured in Rolling Stone recently. Other press includes Amplifier, Lollipop, The Big Takeover, The Miami Herald, Chicago Sun-Times. Singer/guitarist Jeremy Morgan plays solo acoustic NYC show at Acme Underground April 22 7PM. Lawyer is Jim Kozmor (Beyond Music, Motley Crue etc). Manager Brian Kurtz at brian@ksbmanagement.com
www.thepr4.com
“Gimme Your Reasons”

# The Gift. Lisbon, Portugal area. For fans of Bjork, Morcheeba, Massive Attack. Eclectic and commercially viable? Yes indeed. 70,000 career sales. Distributed through BMG and Universal. Producers include Howie B. (U2, Tricky, Bjork). Up to 6000 draw at Europe shows. Have headlined festivals to 40,000. Booked by Evolution Talent (Vanessa Carlton, Joseph Arthur, Backstreet Boys). Several labels on the tip. Support from MTV Europe, MCM France and SONY TV Latin America. NYC Showcases at Knitting Factory April 24 9PM and Mercury Lounge April 29 7:30PM. Manager David Parnes info@tangerayproductions.com
www.thegift.pt
“Question of Love”

# iXia. San Francisco. Linkin Park, Garbage, EMF. Melodic rock with the hook that bounces. Produced by Sylvia Massy Shivy (Tool, System of a Down). Recently contacted by Warner, Arista, Elektra, UEG Management. 5000+ EPs sold. Recently played sellout shows at Slim’s (600 people) and The Great American Music Hall (500 people). Featured artist in MacAddict Magazine (250,000 Copies). LA show at Dragonfly May 13, 8PM. No manager or lawyer yet. Stephen Sims at info@ixiamusic.com
www.ixiamusic.com
“Push You Away”

April 7, 2003

# Chronicles of a Hero. Elmont, New York. 19 year olds. A bit like Silverchair or Lifehouse but with a slight UK appeal. Evident pop sensibility. Approximately 5200 in career sales worldwide. 200+ local draw. Recent demos produced by Steve Meyer of ESR Studios (worked with members of Public Enemy). No lawyer or manager currently. paul@chroniclesofahero.com.
www.chroniclesofahero.com
“Winter”

# Power 13. San Francisco. For fans of Tom Petty, Wilco. Easing their way into the No Depression community it’s a relief to know that guitar is still relevant. Album produced by Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Low). Early believers include producer/writer Kim Fowley (The Runaways, Kiss). RODE Microphones is pursuing based on vocal performance. The track “Blind” got honorable mention in the Billboard Song Contest. 150 people seen at their shows. No manager or lawyer yet. Paul Manousos at paul@power13.com.
www.power13.com
“Misery”

# Josh Dodes. New York City. Elvis Costello meets Ben Folds with a modern soul flare. 4000 in career sales, $7000+ in merchandise. Opened for Avril Lavigne, Alana Davis, Duncan Sheik, BBMak, The B-52’s, Maceo Parker, Indigo Girls. Several majors and big indies on the tip since new album release. Redeye Distribution offer. Has just begun looking for manager, booking agent, film/TV placement. April 11 show at the Bitter End 7:30 PM, two sets. Labels can get lawyer George Stein (Jeff Buckley etc.) at georgestein@earthlink.net. Others can email info@jdband.com.
www.joshdodes.com
“Without You”

# Alastor. Atlanta. For fans of early PJ Harvey. Furthering the explosive elements of seminal punk. Produced by Rusty Cobb (Butch Walker, Injected). Video directed by Kip Bissell (All-American Rejects, American Hi-Fi). Grand Prize Winner in rock category of John Lennon Songwriting Contest. 2500 in career sales. 125 people seen at recent show. No manager yet. Lawyer is David Prasse. Elizabeth Elkins at alastorweb@aol.com.
www.alastorweb.com
“Deadfall”

# The Mint. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For fans of Third Eye Blind, Oasis. Age 20 singer. 1500 CDs sold. New EP in the works. 250+ local draw. Showcasing at Cornerstone Festival, Creation Festival and Purple Door Festival. Have not signed on with manager or lawyer yet. Jonathan Decker at booking@tastethemint.com.
www.tastethemint.com

May 21, 2003

Parklife. Raleigh, North Carolina. The Replacements and R.E.M. get a UK pinch. Produced by Grammy-nominated John Custer (Chris Whitley, COC, DAG). New to the scene but have a 100 draw, college radio and Creative Loafing support. Have begun talking to lawyers and managers but haven’t signed on yet. Supported Wilco and Better Than Ezra. Scott Bryant at scott@parklifeband.com
www.parklifeband.com
“San Jacinto”

Radiate. New York City. For fans of Jane’s Addiction, Filter, Stabbing Westward, System of a Down add sitar, digeridoo and tabla. Produced by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, Eve 6). Columbia, Velvet Hammer, Dark City Music, Pinnacle Entertainment Booking (Slayer, Rob Zombie, Oasis) on the tip. 3000 EPs in circulation. Press includes CMJ, Metal Edge (Top 15 of 2002) and Cover of East Coast Rocker (twice). Charted in CMJ and Album Network. June 6 show at LoveSexy@LeClub (673 8th Ave/42nd) sponsored by WSOU, The Aquarian, Cutty Whiskey, Disc Makers. No manager yet. Steve at info@doyouradiate.com
www.doyouradiate.com
“Insect Herd”

George Zambra. Cancun, Mexico. For fans of U2, New Order, The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Church. Recorded on computer software in a small bedroom. Brilliant sense of melody throughout his material. Varies from guitar to beat based. No manager or lawyer yet. George at jorgezambraisaac@hotmail.com
www.zambramusic.com
“With the Sea”

The Underwater. York, Pennsylvania. For fans of Fuel, Incubus. New songs recorded. 3000 sold of January 28, 2003 release (pre-tour). 150-300 draw. Alternative Press mention. Some major labels on the tip. Have opened for Oleander, Revis, Senses Fail and Zao. Lawyer is Todd Cooper (Incubus, Audiovent), manager is Geoff Tarakjian at HK Management. Brandon Deroche at sucker550@aol.com
www.theunderwater.net
“Branded”

Over in the UK:

Serial P.O.P.. London, England. For fans of New Order, Talking Heads, The Streets. BBC Radio 1 on the tip among others. Produced by Ted Hutt (The Flogging Mollys). Mixed By Steve Duda (NIN, Perfect Circle). “Jakey Moves”

Autopia. Birmingham, England. For fans of Elastica, Radiohead, Cowboy Junkies or late 1960s. “Beauty Queen”

Liner. Birmingham, England. The Who or Rolling Stones but with a modern clarity. Bob Lamb (UB40, Duran Duran, Ocean Colour Scene) said to have recorded them.

in.spite.of showcase at NYC’s Acme Underground May 28.

May 14, 2003

The Unknown Project. Los Angeles. For fans of The Cure, Coldplay, Kosheen add American guitars. Melodic and anthem like. Word is they showcased for one major label, 2 others on the tip. 2000 pressed copies almost sold out. 300+ local draw. LA show at The Derby May 18. Close to signing on with big lawyer. Contact is Michael Howe at mthowe@yahoo.com
www.theunknownproject.com
“Dream 55″

Diane Ward. Florida. For fans of Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Joan Armatrading. New CD “The Great Impossible”. A gorgeous melancholy sentiment. Produced by guitarist Jack Shawde (Bob Dylan, John Mayall, Dr. John) and Diane Ward. Mastered by Greg Calbi (Bruce Springsteen, Aimee Mann, Ani DiFranco etc). New tracks licensed by MTV. 2 previously released CDs received airplay on over 140 stations (AAA/Non-Commercial) and combine for 3500 in sales. Strong regional support. Email info@shinytownrecords.com
www.dianeward.com
“Perfect Kiss”

Elly K. Los Angeles. For fans of Edie Brickell, Suzanne Vega, Billy Joel. There isn’t anything like it on this site at present. New song produced by Sean Slade (Radiohead, Hole). “Just Like That”

Joe Condiracci. New York City. For fans of Evan and Jaron, The Posies. Producers include the late Tom Dowd (Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin). Epic is on the tip as well as producer Victor Van Vugt (Beth Orton, Nick Cave, Orbital). Had a #15 position on FMQB charts. 1200 career sales. Local draw is 75-100. Lawyer is Jeff Greenberg at Beldock, Levine & Hoffman. NYC show at Fez May 28. Represented by Dana Dowd and manager Cindy da Silva Johansen at cindyrogerj@aol.com
www.joecondiracci.com
“Angel”

Squint. Ruston, Louisiana. For fans of Sponge, Social Distortion. Produced by Ed Stasium (Ramones, Living Colour). 4 week stay in CMJ 200. Crystal Clear Distribution picks up record for June 11 street date. Jagermeister sponsored. 500 local draw plus success in surrounding markets. Warner Bros, Universal, Benchmark on the tip. Played with Goo Goo Dolls, Stroke 9, Will Hoge etc. Will be licensing to MTV Road Rules. NYC show at CBGB May 30. Lawyer is Edward M. Kelman (ZZ Top) No manager yet. Dane Adrian at squint@bigfoot.com
www.squint.com
“Shadow Shadow”

Jonah. Portland, Oregon. For fans of Sigur Ros, Thom Yorke. Manager and lawyer in place. “Good Enough”

Minds Eye. Indianapolis, Indiana. For fans of Tool, Incubus, Chevelle. Contact is Gary at xendo@aol.com
“Regret”

Where Are They Now? Critically Acclaimed Records:

K-OS. Demo Diaries Unsigned August 2, 1999
Signs to the EMI family
Recently becomes MTV2 Darling
May 2003 plays on American network TV, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live
Music heard in Manhattan Upper East Side coffee shop
Buzz.

May 7, 2003

Fifth Season. Edmonton, Alberta. Not unlike Our Lady Peace, Lit, Smashing Pumpkins. Recorded with Joey Moi (Nickelback, Theory of a Dead Man, Default) and Brian Howes (Closure). “As Good as it Gets”

Nicole McKenna. New York City. For fans of Patty Griffin, Aimee Mann. On the tip are writer/player/A&R type Jimmy Bralower (Madonna, Peter Gabriel, Celine Dion), Danny Kortchmar (Billy Joel, Don Henley), Dennis Lambert/Diane Petty. New CD produced by Saul Zonana (Blue Oyster Cult). Past press includes Performing Songwriter magazine/compilation. Almost 1400 career sales. 150 live draw. She has a big lawyer. No manager yet. Show at NYC’s Cutting Room May 16 at 9PM. Nicole at info@nicolemckenna.com
www.nicolemckenna.com
“Take Me Over”

Angel 13. New York City. American rock with a Brit nucleus. Recorded with Jon Kaplan (Grandaddy, Jennifer Lopez). A few major labels on the tip. Local draw up to 150 and growing. Impressive for NYC. Showcase at NYC’s Mercury Lounge this Thursday May 8. Lawyer is Peter Lewit. No manager yet. Timothy Falzone at timothy@angel13.com
www.angel13.com
“Invisible”

Tamara Bedricky. Detroit, Michigan. Age 22. For fans of Tracy Chapman, Amanda Marshall, Sheryl Crow. Featured in Detroit News. Finalist in Pantene Pro-Voice Competition which earned her a spot on compilation CD alongside The Corrs, India.Arie and Michelle Branch. Interest from a few major labels and an indie label headed by Detroit entertainment lawyer Howard Hertz (Eminem, The Go). Played at Detroit Music Awards a couple of weeks ago. Local draw is 100-200, played on bill in NYC’s Central Park for up to 4,000 people (aired on MuchMusic USA). Almost 1000 career sales. No lawyer or manager yet. Tamara at tamarabedricky@aol.com
www.tamarabedricky.com
“A Million Miles”

Stereolife. New York City. For fans of Incubus, Linkin Park, Faith No More, NIN. New demos. Members include A.D. and Gareth Prosser of Fat and studio rat Dug (Stabbing Westward etc). In the know are Lava, EMI Publishing, Universal, Atlantic. Have big lawyer. No official manager yet. A.D. at marlowad@aol.com
“More Than This”

Also Under Close Industry Watch Are These Artists Recorded/Mixed by Big Producers:

“Heaven”(sounds like Tantric, Soundgarden, Layne Staley) “Blue and White”(sounds like Paula Cole, Sarah McLachlan, Tori)

iXia showcases May 13 at the Dragonfly in Los Angeles 8PM, Warner Bros, Geffen, Elementree scheduled to attend.

April 30, 2003

Ricky Valente. Providence, Rhode Island. Age 21. Tonic, Howie Day, Edwin McCain with mad guitar skills. 2500 career sales. 300-400 local draw. 2002 Winner of Providence Phoenix “Best Music Poll”. New CD “Consolation”. No manager yet. Lawyer is Ron Bienstock at Bienstock & Michael (Simple Plan, Goo Goo Dolls, Billy Joel), rsbesq@aol.com
www.rickyvalente.com
“#4″

Smeer. Toronto, Canada. For fans of Staind, Godsmack. Coalition Management (Our Lady Peace, Simple Plan) hooked them up with Domenic Condo (Simple Plan, Joydrop, Nelly Furtado) whose studio work was instrumental in Atlantic Records signing Canadian newcomers Idle Sons. Almost 1000 career sales with their upcoming CD release party for “Loud and Clear” slated for Thursday, June 12 at Hard Rock Cafe in Toronto. Up to 750 draw in Canadian clubs and over 1000 at outdoor festivals in Eastern Canada. 4 small market commercial radio adds, #4 peak position. Presently no lawyer or manager. Niall Mellors at rockqb@rogers.com
www.smeer.com
“Mother”

El Guapo. Chicago. Power pop, both English and Spanish. New songs in the works with John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, Eve 6). Offer from Bee-Sharp Records/Universal. Featured in The Chicago Reader and the Illinois Entertainer. Named #12 of the 20 unsigned rock en espanol acts in Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. by Spanish Rock publication BOOM Magazine. Budweiser sponsorship in action. United Airlines wants to use them for in-flight programming. Sold out House of Blues show recently. No manager, lawyer is Timothy P. Donohue 312-332-3116. Mike Lopez at info@elguapo.us
www.elguapo.us
“Pimped Out Limousine”

Caffeine. London, England. Driving power pop. 10,000 sales in UK. Toured UK with The Offspring twice. Toured UK with New Found Glory. Played with The Donnas, Blink-182. Toured Europe with The Dickies. Up to 400 draw around UK as headliner. Video shown on MTV Europe and Sky TV UK. Radio play on BBC Radio 1, XFM, 40+ UK regionals. Songs placed on Channel 5 TV, ITV. Current video being shown in-store in UK fashion chains including Top Shop, H&M and Selfridges-exposed to 4 million people a week. Lawyer is Paul Spraggon. Manager David Bury at planet-e@dircon.co.uk
www.caffeinehq.cjb.net
“Every Time”

in.spite.of. Marlboro, New Jersey. 4000 career sales, 7000 in circulation. Island, Wind-Up, Victory, Columbia in the know. Local draw up to 300. Talking to 3 big lawyers, one management company but haven’t signed on with anyone yet. Recording folks in their corner include Sal Villanueva (Thursday) who they have recently recorded a 3 song promo with, John Seymour (Santana, Dave Matthews), Tim Gilles (Tracy Bonham, Local H and owner of Big Blue Meenie Studios). Supported Incubus, Godsmack and others. Show at Hoboken’s Whiskey Bar May 8 and NYC showcase at Acme Underground May 28. Jeff Milstein at jjpelican@aol.com
www.inspiteofmusic.com
“Reflection”

April 23, 2003

Kritickill. Killeen, Texas. For fans of Drowning Pool, Slipknot. Mind the vicious conviction here. Top 5 phones at small commercial KLFX in only 4 days. Virgin, Columbia, Roadrunner, No Name on the tip. HITS mention coming. 3000 career sales. 1500 local draw. Supported American Headcharge, Kittie, Drowning Pool, Nonpoint, Hatebreed. Lawyer Kim Guggenheim at kguggenheim@halldickler.com. Manager Scott Frazier (Outspoken, Flaw) at managemusiq@aol.com
www.kritickill.com
“Freedom”

The Broadcast. Dallas, Texas. For fans of Third Eye Blind, Semisonic. Incessant hook from beginning to end. Ages 17-18. Warner Bros and Lava on the tip. Produced by Deep Blue Something’s Todd and Toby Pipes (Flickerstick, Drowning Pool), mixed by The Count (New Order, No Doubt, Run DMC) and Stuart Sikes (White Stripes). 1700 career sales. 200-400 live draw. Showcase at Dallas’ Curtain Club April 24. No lawyer or manager yet, J.R. Denson at jr@thebroadcast.net
www.thebroadcast.net
“First Amendment”

Tripwire. Corpus Christi, Texas. Not unlike the Goo Goo Dolls but add a real rock edge. 5000 career sales. Recorded with Tom Morris (7 Mary 3) and Kevin Beamish (REO Speedwagon, Kenny Chesney). Also Dave Dominguez (Staind, Adema) on the tip. Atlantic, Dreamworks, MCA, Elektra in the know. Draw 300+ in Southeast region, supported Saliva recently on Jagermeister Tour. New single “Wasted” goes for adds May 1. Had a #3 CMJ chart position. Lawyer is George Stein atgeorgestein@earthlink.net. No manager currently. John Gomez at tripwiremusic@aol.com
www.tripwiretheband.com
“Wasted”

Kopaz. Columbus, Ohio. Angular, tight, urgent riff rock like Sunny Day Real Estate. 2500 sales on first EP “Starboard Rail”. New CD soon to be released “Future Radiant Shine”. Have played with Cave-In, Aerogramme and The Toadies. Atlantic, Columbia, American on the tip. Producer/mixer Rich Costey (Audioslave, Fiona Apple, Cave-In) flew to see them and is impressed. Local draw is 200. No lawyer yet. Manager David Brown at davidbrown@sinergymanagement.com
www.kopaz.com
“Ever Present Threat”

Immune. Providence, Rhode Island. Breathy, melodic power pop. 1000 career sales. 100-200 live draw. Played on bill for 1500 recently. Have supported Lifehouse and Tantric. Newest song is “A Better Dream”. Material licensed to MTV. No lawyer or manager yet. Providence show at Lupo’s April 25. Rob Schulze at imlbc1016@aol.com
www.immuneri.com
“A Better Dream”

June 17, 2003

Simon Stinger. San Francisco. For fans of No Doubt, Garbage. Produced by Sylvia Massy Shivy. Featured in San Francisco Herald, SF Weekly and Miramax film “Diamonds”. Lawyer is the legendary Brian Rohan. LA show at Cat Club June 27. Manager Tim Morse at tim@simonstinger.com
www.simonstinger.com
“Presence of Love”

Paul Manousos. San Francisco. For fans of the Rolling Stones, Wallflowers, Counting Crows, Van Morrison, Elvis Costello. Solo CD being produced by Steve Fisk (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Low). Sponsored by RODE Microphones. No manager or lawyer yet. Paul at paul@power13.com
“So New To Me”

Lovehammers. Chicago. For fans of Nirvana, Nickelback, Creed, Foo Fighters. Sold out Double Door venue (500) two nights in a row (April 25 & 26). Had 1700 people (paid) at House of Blues. 5000+ scanned of debut “Murder On My Mind”. Charted in Billboard. “Straight as an Arrow” recorded with Steve Albini. Commonwealth Edison regional television commercial. Support from WKQX and WZZN Chicago. Atlantic, Columbia, Warner Bros among others are on the tip. June 20 showcase at Double Door for MobFest. Los Angeles shows at Viper Room July 11 and Whisky July 12. No manager. Lawyer Scott Shapiro at scott@shapirovasilatos.com
www.lovehammers.com
“The Tunnel”

Payola. Belfast, Northern Ireland. For fans of Foo Fighters, Squeeze, Manic Street Preachers. 4000+ career sales. Major radio play on Cool FM, N. Ireland’s biggest radio station as well as documentary made by BBC shown to over 5 million. 500 draw. Performed 7 times at N. Ireland’s largest venue, the Odyssey Arena, to over 5000 people each time–support to UK acts such as Embrace, Mansun. Recently asked to support Audioslave on their only Irish date June 18 at The Point, Dublin (7500 capacity). No manager or lawyer yet. Email at payola@payolarock.com
www.payolarock.com
“Rather Be Dreamin”

in.spite.of. Marlboro, New Jersey. In the vein of Red Hot Chili Peppers with some Soundgarden energy. Update: Mentioned in Demo Diaries April 30. Working with Leibowitz, Roberts & Ritholz law. In touch with Sanctuary Management, Union Entertainment Group and Big Hassle. Polyphonic Hit Song Science gives “Replaced by Rain” 6.48 out of 7. American, BMG, Artemis among others scheduled to attend showcase at NYC’s Acme Underground June 19. Jeff Milstein at jjpelican@aol.com
www.inspiteofmusic.com
“Replaced by Rain”

The Black Maria. Toronto. Hard yet melodic. Compelling vocals. The bridge is Deftones like. Packed NXNE Rivoli show. Chris Taylor is lawyer.
The Killers. Las Vegas. ASCAP MobFest show. They’re everything 80s. Will do well in Europe if/when launched. EMI, Zomba and other UK were digging it. Mentioned in Diaries previously.
Deepfield. Charleston, South Carolina. Formerly Quench and mentioned in Demo Diaries a couple of years back. Candlebox meets Chevelle, Silverchair, Puddle of Mudd. Said to be signing with In De Goot (Echo 7) but on the lookout for joint venture. I think they played for Virgin and Epic earlier.
Negative Space. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Third Eye Blind like. Sold 3000. Had add at radio. Managed by Media Five (Live, Fuel). Lava, Wind-Up, TVT, Columbia, Capitol were in touch some time ago.

June 10, 2003

Sara Lowes. Pendle, England. Age 20. For fans of Ryan Adams, Bonnie Raitt, Beth Orton, Beatles. Recorded with Gareth Cousins (Sting, Elvis Costello, Bond). Draw is 250 and up. Managed by Bruce Thomas and Simon Webbe (who’s in double platinum act Blue). Bruce at bruce@subnetactive.co.uk
www.saralowes.com
“Fragile Tide”

The Scenes. Toronto, Canada. Recorded with Dom Condo (Joydrop, Idle Sons, Simple Plan). They took Duran Duran’s “Come Undone” and made it their own putting rock in the pop. Very well done. Using Coalition Management (Our Lady Peace). info@thescenes.tv
www.thescenes.tv
“Come Undone”

The Brink. St. Albans, England. For fans of Oasis, The Buzzcocks. Working with UK new band development producer Julian Standen (Lemonheads, Crackout, Cay, The Holiday Plan). Legal is Searls & Co. Shows are June 10 (tonight) at Dublin Castle, London and Friday July 18 at Metro Club, London. Manager Sean Phillips at discobison@btconnect.com
“When I Do”

Neptune Crush comes to NYC June 14 at Arlene Grocery.

June 4, 2003

Aruna. Los Angeles. For fans of Michelle Branch, Jonatha Brooke, Alanis, Avril. Warner Bros, Maverick, Epic, Sire on the tip. New CD produced by Shahar Tabachnik and Helik Hadar (Joni Mitchell, Julia Fordham, Poe). Mastered by Eddy Schreyer (Sheryl Crow, Christina Aguilera, Vanessa Carlton). Press includes Boston Phoenix, Boston Globe. Local draw 100-150. No lawyer. Manager Sean Agnew at sean.agnew@bluemetallic.com
www.arunamusic.com
“Not Your Mommy”

Twelve Hour Mary. Long Beach, California. For fans of Matthew Sweet, XTC. Recorded with Rich Mouser (Weezer, Vast, Oleander, Less Than Jake). 2000 career sales. No lawyer. Manager is Buddy Webster at buddyblaze@earthlink.net
www.twelvehourmary.com
www.streamwaves.com
“Final Idiot”

Transparent. Providence, Rhode Island. A robust hook with elements of early Tool, Thursday and Quicksand. Produced by Don Fury (Orange 9mm, Snapcase, Civ). Featured on “Rye Airfield Noise, Version 1″ compilation put out by New England’s largest BMX/skatepark. National Airplay on XM Radio Unsigned. No manager or lawyer yet. Rich Bocchini at rich@transparentband.com
www.transparentband.com
“Husk”

Goapele. Berkeley, California. Neo-soul with a reggae twist. 75 spins at San Francisco commercial KMEL last week. #2 on the playlist ahead of Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent. 20,000+ scanned. Press in Billboard, Vibe, The Source. Photo shoot for Interview magazine. On the sold out KMEL “House of Soul” bill (with Floetry, Heather Headley) June 25 at San Fran’s Ruby Skye club. Lawyer Elliot Cahn at cahnman@aol.com
www.goapele.com

July 15, 2003

Toledo, Ohio’s Mindshift is drawing 400 to shows with their Godsmack, Disturbed like sounds. LA’s Diversion-X is working with Tommy Henriksen and has Atlantic, Arista, Universal, Island, Flawless and Warner on the tip. Calahan will reportedly play to Hollywood, Capitol, Dreamworks and Portrait at LA’s House of Blues 7/21.

July 9, 2003

Keane. Mercury Lounge NYC, 10PM July 8. The Fierce Panda label surely has cred. Sussex boy Tom Chaplin is a very good singer. The press dubs them a Beautiful South, A-ha, Pet Shop Boys? No, no, no….what about Smiths, Simply Red or Gene without the timeliness of Coldplay and Radiohead. A quick death upon any U.S. major label signing. Don’t spend advance, but rather put it in a good CD (not the plastic kind).

Owen Beverly. Charleston, South Carolina. For fans of Coldplay, Jeff Buckley, Bono. Oh shite, now this is fantastic. Much better than John Mayer, Howie Day and Gavin DeGraw were in their indie days. Recording with Rick Beato aka the southeast demo pimp. To add to the conspiracy, manager is Vance McNabb (tour managing for Howie Day, John Mayer). And what do you know, the lawyer is Reid Hunter. Vance may be reached at 843.327.4129 or owenbeverlymgt@aol.com
www.owenbeverly.com
“Stillborn”

Peluka. San Francisco. For fans of Longwave or even Nick Drake on the pretty ballads-add violin. The SF Weekly loves them. 80 folks coming out to shows. ABC show might use one of their tracks. No manager or lawyer yet. Colin at crosskill@hotmail.com
www.peluka.net
“Mactruck”

Boston’s Violet Nine are probably gonna pick up more fans soon. Pretty good stuff but short of singles.

July 1, 2003

Shadow Box. Minneapolis. For fans of U2, Remy Zero. Recorded with Jacques Wait (Semisonic, Kim Deal). Defined melodies and big vocals make for a beautiful accident. “The Distance”, “One Promise” and “Circumstances” are focus tracks. Although newcomers, they’re the Twin Cities great rock hope. No manager or lawyer yet. Contact mail@shadowboxband.com
www.shadowboxband.com
“The Distance”

June 24, 2003

Twin-A. New York City. For fans of The Replacements, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Coldplay. Beating out Joseph Arthur and future hope Graham Colton on the official WBER playlist in Rochester, NY. Opened for Vanessa Carlton and sold out merchandise, 250 CDs. No management and open to lawyer help. See them this Thursday at The Supper Club show 9PM set. Click the brown M at their website, an impressive list of songs. www.twin-a.com
“Like I Do”
Coral. New York City. Managed by Jerry Blair (head of Mariah Carey’s Monarc/Island label). She’ll be playing at The Supper Club show too.

Down in the Southeast…

Time. Gainesville, Florida. For fans of Matchbox Twenty, Tonic. 1100 draw at their CD release party. Home recording. No lawyer or manager yet. Steve Garrett at sgarrett@naylor.com
www.time-band.com
“Breathing Slowly”

More Unsigned News:

Forty Percent might see an add at KDGE Dallas soon.
Stir left Capitol with Paul Ebersold produced CD. EMI Publishing championing them.
Seven Mary Three has no label and might see an add at WEDG Buffalo in coming weeks.
L.I.N.T. messing around with industry in LA a couple weeks ago.
Mappari on at NYC’s Arlene Grocery 6/24 9PM
Chesterwhite hits Eric Bazillion’s studio with Don Rodenbach (Echo & The Bunnymen, James Taylor, Iggy Pop)

July 23, 2003

Fallen From Grace. New York City area. For fans of Vertical Horizon, Dave Matthews add drum loops. They have manager and lawyer. Nip and tuck plus bring the chorus vocals up and this is very WPLJ-FM. greg@abztrakt.com
www.fallenfromgrace.com
“Catch it if You Can”

Madrepore. Los Angeles. For fans of Deftones, Trust Company, Rage Against The Machine. They have manager and lawyer. I think Interscope, Island, Velvet Hammer were on the tip. “So Close”

Left Front Tire. Cornelia, Georgia. They got an official add at 96.7 The Buzz in Atlanta this week (market #9). Atlantis show July 31 at 10 High. Randy Sadd, promotion and marketing and Troy Aubrey, manager at nomadartists@msn.com
www.leftfronttire.com

Atlanta:

Cloud 10 has a new record. Reportedly showcased for Interscope, Elementree, Island. Sounds like Hoobastank meets Victory Records.

New York Hunches:

Kristin Mainhart. I’ve seen her sing 2 times in the last year. Some Nelly Furtado, Shakira, Sade, Portishead in there. Contact me at xendo@aol.com to get the scoop. Although this is not a single per se she has her moments. “Comfortable”
Essex. Finished those demos with the ubiquitous Rick Beato. Like Ian Astbury, Bono, Buckley. Saw him play in June, he had his moments as well live. “Coming Home”
Kat Auster. She fronts Blend Engine. Saw them for the third time in a year. There’s something about her in particular. The kind of charisma you would’ve seen in Jane’s Addiction as an indie group. Maybe some No Doubt, Souxsie, Blondie in there but all with self indulgence you can respect.
Val Emmich who I posted previously has this queer Pete Yorn meets Foo Fighters thing. What if he has The Calling in his CD collection too? What would his friends think? A bit lackluster on the lyrics.

UK Hunch:

Meeky Rosie out of Plymouth. Yes, I guess they do have some Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, Sparklehorse, Gomez vibes but add The Verve in there too on “Forever”.

July 28, 2003

E.J. Labb. Boston. Officially shopping demo now through lawyer Patti Jones, produced by Jimmy Landry. Try “Nomad” with its Moby meets Luscious Jackson meets Garbage hook. Jimmy at jrlcell@yahoo.com
www.ejlabb.com
“Nomad”

Ellie Lawson. England. Reportedly showcased for Warner Bros last week. Has lawyer and manager. Worked with William Orbit. Of the clips available at her site “24 Hour Life Crisis” stands out. Kind of a Dido, Alanis, Nelly Furtado, Sinead thing. www.ellielawson.com

Love 45. Denver, Colorado. Produced by Chris Henderson from 3 Doors Down and Geoff Ott (Nickelback, 3 Doors Down), mastered by Erick Labson (Aerosmith, Elton John). Lawyer is Randall H. Moke, manager Paul Trinidad at love45@msn.com
www.love45.com
“Don’t Ask”

Tyler Read. Shreveport, Louisiana. For fans of The Used. josh@tylerread.com
www.tylerread.com
“Memoirs”

Florida’s The Curve will get an official add at West Palm Beach commercial WPBZ (market 47), Matt Alvers manager, show 8/9 at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live. Try “Problem” with its Socialburn meets Good Charlotte meets Matchbox Twenty sound “Problem”
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Tony Romanello Band now has 13 spins a week at modern rocker KMYZ (market 65) with “Where are You Tonight”. Looking for lawyer and manager. It’s a bit like Sugar, Foo Fighters, Goo Goo Dolls (www.trbrocks.com).
Boston area AAA artist Deb Talan seemingly joins the ranks of Shawn Colvin, Victoria Williams, Suzanne Vega and Patty Griffin with her new release; sample the track “Unraveling”
Australia’s Dead Day Sun showcase their Soundgarden, STP sounds at CBGB 7/31, Arlene Grocery 8/5, Sin-e 8/7.
Littleton, Colorado 16 year old Aubrey Collins now making a serious impact on the Nashville circuit-said to be working with one of Trace Adkins’ producers.

September 22, 2003

Kari Kimmel. Boca Raton, Florida. For fans of Michelle Branch, Sarah McLachlan. Age 22. I hear Capitol just flew her out to LA, Virgin is flying her out to NY plus meetings with Island, J, Universal. NYC showcase at Bitter End on 9/25 Thursday 7PM. Lawyer is Fred Goldring (Will Smith, No Doubt). Managed by David Schulhof at david@premierartists.com
www.karikimmel.com
“Notice Me”

September 15, 2003

Coping with Ignorance. Dayton, Ohio. For fans of Trust Company, Trapt, Korn. 17 year olds. Have played arenas with Godsmack and Disturbed. Island, Lava, Universal, Virgin, Columbia, Warner Bros on the tip. NYC showcase at Don Hills September 24 8PM. Management contact is Scott at managemusiq@aol.com
www.copingwithignorance.com
“Shattered Dreams”

September 8, 2003

Crushed. Phoenix. Notice the Linkin Park pianos and Deftones gloom. Recorded with Mike Clink (Guns N’ Roses) and Tommy Henriksen. Manager Chad Bowen at chazonator@hotmail.com
www.crushed.net
“Everything’s Gone”

Miseryhead. Jacksonville, Florida. For fans of Tool, Chevelle, Puddle of Mudd. bookmiseryhead@aol.com
www.miseryheads.com
“Scream”

The National. New York City. For fans of Beck, Tom Waits, Wilco, Nick Cave. Produced in part by Nick Lloyd and Peter Katis (Interpol). www.americanmary.com
“Slipping Husband”

Johnny Socko. Indianapolis, Indiana. 25,000 records sold. XM Radio, CMJ chart, Commercial Specialty chart. Atlantis Compilation pick. Preparing for NYC showcase September 16 at Lion’s Den. No lawyer or manager yet. Recorded with Ken Lewis (Wyclef, Mariah Carey, David Byrne). Ken at ken@protoolsmixing.com
www.johnnysocko.com
“Mix Tape”

September 2, 2003

Wake. San Francisco. In the vein of U2, Remy Zero, James, The Verve. Produced by Karl Derfler (No Doubt, Dave Matthews) and Ren Klyce (Third Eye Blind, Mariah Carey). No lawyer yet. Manager Jason Oronzi at jason@waketheband.com
www.waketheband.com
“Mind is Yours”

Megan Slankard. Tracy, California. Age 20. For fans of Shelby Lynn, Patty Griffin, Heather Nova, Paula Cole. Career sales over 2300. contact@meganslankard.com
www.meganslankard.com
“Dirty Wings”

Leya. Belfast, Northern Ireland. For fans of Radiohead, U2, The Devlins, Pulp, Echo and The Bunnymen. BBC Radio 1 airplay, London showcase soon following their gigs with Interpol and Lifehouse. UK management is Terra Firma (Richard Ashcroft, Paul Oakenfold), U.S. management is 2 Generations/Doyle Kos. Aimee Berger and Pete Ajemian at management@2generations.com
www.leya.co.uk
“Let’s Pretend”

Juniper Lane. Washington D.C. For fans of Evanescence. Produced by Ted Comerford (Virginia Coalition, Ebo), mixed by Joe Zook (Remy Zero), Paul David Hager (Hoobastank). Manager Alan Stewart sgmanagement@aol.com
www.juniperlane.com
“Apology”

Spout. Nashville. Melodic mainstream rock. Co-produced by Jim Allison (LeAnn Rimes, Reba). Lawyer is Jeff Biederman at Bass, Berry & Sims. management@spoutmusic.com
www.spoutmusic.com
“Dead or Dying”

Stripping the Pistol. Chicago. The Chi-town hard rockers return with a brand new demo which is decidedly more melodic. For fans of Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age. 400 draw expected to small October 24 club date at The Note in Chicago. 10,000 website hits per month. Pete Tsiolis at zoident@aol.com
www.strippingthepistol.com
“Nothing to Believe In”

October 8, 2003

Demo-ralized
by Gilby N. (gilbygilbo@yahoo.com)

A Mid-life Comparison, Madonna Ciccone vs. Love Michelle Harrison (aka Courtney Love)

So let’s see, you never really know the true ages of celebrities and even moreso female celebrities. They’re doubly protective. Madonna was 39 in or around 1997. Some of her known experiences back then include the following: The making of “Ray of Light”, the raising of her new daughter, the exploration into Kabbalah, practicing yoga, winning a Golden Globe and peforming in the miserable Guy Ritchie failure “Swept Away”.

Courtney Love is 39 at the moment. Her experiences at or around this age include: arrested for air rage on Virgin Atlantic, signing a lucrative deal with Virgin Records, apartment rage during NYC’s blackout leading to a police response and newspaper misprint, recent arrest for breaking the windows at Jim Barber’s house (apparently she owns the land), supposedly working on her next movie-the Luc Besson (Fifth Element) helmed “Miss June”. She’s also known for delving into Kabbalah (it would appear she’s falling a bit short of miracles, meditation and magic).

Lord of the Venues, Who Owns What in NYC

The live music venue circuit in NYC seems to be very tight. Following is a brief exploration into the daily players:

You have your 400-600 person venues namely Manhattan’s popular Bowery Ballroom (affiliated with the much smaller Mercury Lounge). Brooklyn’s got North Six and Warsaw to compete (these places usually get all the hip indie, emo acts as a large portion of young concert goers live in Williamsburg). As far as I know none of these venues are corporate subsidiaries. The next step in a band’s career might be the Clear Channel operated Irving Plaza (1100). Also under the Clear Channel umbrella are the Beacon Theatre (2800) and Roseland (3600). Doesn’t that pretty much give them dibs on any developing band’s career? Ah but wait…there is an alternative venue to play when you land a hit at radio. This would be Hammerstein Ballroom (3700 standing). Who owns it? That would be One-Up Enterprises which is a splinter of the Unification Church headed by Rev. Sun Myung Moon. Fascinating. Venues such as Webster Hall (1500) and The Supper Club (1000) can book big name acts but not on a regular basis these days (neither has ties to an uber corporation). I should also mention the Knitting Factory (up to 400), the troubled Bottom Line (400), world music haven S.O.B.’s (500) and B.B. King’s (1000 standing).

Once you become massive it’s time for Radio City Music Hall or even Madison Square Garden (the arena or theatre). You now Cablevision (owner of New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, Fuse TV) as parent to these operations. But hey, it always comes back to Clear Channel. CC promotes concerts at Central Park Summerstage, Carnegie Hall, Hammerstein and Madison Square Garden to name a few. Ticketmaster is the exclusive agent to all CC shows. CC owns the radio playlist monitoring service Mediabase. And of course Radio & Records uses Mediabase for its charts. Allow me to tangent yet again and say there is still another dubious triangle at work. The Dutch run VNU owns Billboard, BDS (the other radio playlist monitoring service) and Soundscan. To get to the point, one heavyweight publication is solely influenced by Clear Channel reports and the other uses its sister company exclusively. I didn’t know synergy could be so creepy.

I believe author William Gibson once noted that in modern times major societal institutions consume smaller bohemias even before they fully develop. Acquisitions, mergers, business development, maybe it’s all not to be taken so seriously. These are all characteristics of a capitalist system love it or hate it. On the flip side, history shows that these very same institutions over-consume, hit bankruptcy and are sold off in parts like scrap iron from a shipyard. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly Dave Matthews said “Clear Channel can’t last forever because it’s too fat to hold itself up. Things will start popping up around it that are more fun. It can’t last, I don’t care how big it is.” Earlier this year CC chairman Lowry Mays went before the Senate saying “Clear Channel’s 1,200 radio stations represent only 9 percent of all the stations in the country…live entertainment accounts for less than 7 percent of Clear Channel’s revenue.” What to make of all this? Well, it’s probably the biggest cities that are stacked in Clear Channel’s (and Infinity’s) favor and THAT’s what rubs folks the wrong way.

Most eloquent quote found on the internet: “Radio was crap before Clear Channel and it is still crap after Clear Channel. The only difference is that Clear Channel bought a whole lot of crap.”

Tacky News Item: Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow seen rendezvousing on the University of Chicago campus October 7. Paltrow is reportedly shooting her new film there.

Records coming out or on the shelves:

Dido “White Flag”–Don’t you just want her to go into the “Here With Me” chorus instead?
Sarah McLachlan “Fallen”–This is neither here nor there.
Blink 182 “Feeling This”–Again, it’s like McDonalds, you know what you’re getting. Do any of these acts really warrant a review?
The Fire Theft “Chain”–Wow, now here’s a good one. Made up of ex-Sunny Day Real Estate, fans of the former will notice a change in style.
Mandy Moore “Senses Working Over Time”–I imagine the conversation between Andy Partridge and manager, “Hey mate, Mandy Moore’s covering your tune”, Partridge: “Who?”
Default “My Life Away”–Oh the humanity.
Hoobastank “Out of Control”–No comment, just read the chorus: “Where should I go/What should I do/I don’t understand what you want from me/Cause I don’t know if I can trust you/I don’t understand what you want from me.
Distillers “Drain the Blood”-Yawn.
Living Colour “Sacred Ground”–God awful.
Queensryche “Losing Myself”–Oh hell, Living Colour, Queensryche and Morrissey all going through Sanctuary now? This could make a good live bill.
Travis “Re-offender”–The whole CD is a bit disappointing, I guess they’re not gonna break the 280,000 mark in the U.S.

October 6, 2003

Demo-ralized
by Gilby Nostrada

I’m supposed to say that my editorial doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinions of Demo Diaries. In addition Gary would like to add that I’m an arrogant, uninformed dickhead-at times. In answer to that, I feel I have the right to be because I got ye olde pink slip from me major label boss recently. Anyhow, I still like to read music news and critique it somewhat.

I’m a bit confused by some recent happenings: A 48 year old Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) sings “We’re Not Gonna Take It” at Schwarzenegger’s campaign rally 10/5. This made me want to read more about Arnold’s last minute doings. I got as far as his “turn around California in 100 days” 10 step program. Mind you Cali’s population is 35 million or so. At this point I flipped open the Village Voice paper. Low and behold it says Hanson is playing Carnegie Hall. Actually the press photo accompanying the ad makes them look pretty hip in an Osmonds kind of way. The Boston Symphony Orchestra also plays Carnegie soon. I should try to fit the word paradox in here somewhere but my blogger skills are lacking.

Anyhow how about some straight music talk. Records on the shelves or coming out:

Nelly Furtado single “Powerless”-well the title is testament to the song’s appeal (or rather what you feel when you see her breasts). Is that banjo in there? I swear Patty Griffin fans could get into this. Or rather why not just by Patty’s new DVD thingy that hits the market shortly. Furtado will revel in B.O.D. industry status (benefit of the doubt). In other words, coming off her successful debut she’ll get all the radio/video adds she needs to sell, sell, sell. Pregnant or not, with all the money, time, resources and label backing, you’re obligated to produce a better sophmore recording than this. Mediocre songwriting disguised by studio bells and whistles tends to be unremarkable. This applies to The Strokes too as they return with a seemlingly bland offshoot of a Car’s early B-side. Ryan Adams consumes Joy Division/U2 Hamburger Helper and writes his new single “So Alive”.

I’m supposed to say something about demos in here somewhere. Mr. Demo Diaries gave me some stuff to review. The Steven Haigler (Brand New, Fuel) produced Sarcasm is being shopped. It’s not very good. Isn’t there a way for pop punk/emo/radio-core bands to emulate their predecessors without literally duplicating effects. This band lives in WLIR-FM territory, the Long Island based adult rocker whose frequency 92.7 was just sold to Univision. I guess no more Smiths songs will be heard on Manhattan’s East side.

In fact, NYC will now only have one clear modern rock/alternative signal, WXRK 92.3 (Infinity). Blink 102.7 (Infinity) is basically becoming Hot AC WPLJ 95.5 (ABC). Having two Hot/Modern ACs doesn’t fly in NYC! Doesn’t Infinity remember the whole “105.1″ WNSR to WMXV to WDBZ to WNSR to WBIX fiasco? It was like watching a dog chase its tail. It was always basically an AC format. Ultimately this all resulted in the Urban WWPR 105.1 (Clear Channel). Yes, there is room for WWPR to compliment WQHT 97.1 (Emmis). You got your pussy Lite-FM WLTW 106.7 (Clear Channel) that cleans up here because 25+ bridge and tunnel women sit in their cubicles and mini-vans tuned in all day. But hell, the immediate gratification behemoths won’t invest in a Triple A format for NYC. Conceivably it’s women AND men over 25 who’ll embrace this format. Just like the new Tracks magazine will be doing, it’ll be a way to introduce aging people to new artists. This is a transfusion much needed and a music format that’s not based on trends or elevator melodies. A loss will be taken at first, but the brand name will inevitably build especially in such a liberal market. Instead of playing Phil Collins and Rod Stewart, it will spin a Damien Rice. Someone should really buy a clue from small scale stations WFUV 90.7 NYC and WDST 100.1 Poughkeepsie–both have a loyal audience and attract new listeners consistently.

Let’s wrap it up here with Bests and Worsts:
Best Song Placement: The Cure’s “Pictures of You” (Disintegration LP 1989) in the new Hewlett-Packlard ad. I wish it spiked sales.
Worst Editorials: The blog format being adopted and hailed universally. Notice it in NYC arts weeklies namely the Voice and NY Press. If you qualify the umpteenth garage band playing the lower east side as hip and eventful, well, then yea, you should be a perky titted correspondent for the NME (what a tired rag it’s become).

Demo Diaries A&R, 1999-2006, Part 7

July 25, 2002 Unsigned:

# School for Heroes. Orlando, FL. Similar to Deftones. Recorded with Adam Barber (Sevendust, Backstreet Boys etc.). Must contact me for more info xendo@aol.com “Sitting by the Wayside”

July 11-22, 2002 Unsigned:

NYC based act RA gets “Do You Call My Name” added to Boston commercial WAAF. Selling CDs locally because of it. Requests. Toby Wright mixed it. Like lighter Metallica, Tool, Korn. Managed by Andon Artists (Godsmack). UPDATE: Signed to Universal
# “Do You Call My Name”

Kansas City based act The Supernauts are on the fast track. 15-19 in age. Great pop-roots rock. Nice big hook with “The Yard”. Managed by Mark Shoffner (Incubus). Jim Wirt (Hoobastank, Incubus) expected to produce new songs.
# “The Yard”

# Sacramento based 7th Standard is circulating music produced by Orgy’s Amir Dirahk. The sound is not unlike Jimmy Eat World actually, perhaps a little more rock. I like the sonic quality, the band appears to be promising. Managed by Bair Management (Hoobastank, Papa Roach). “Half Closed Eyes”

Niagara Falls, NY act Klear has official adds at WEDG and WBUF Buffalo. NYC CBGB show July 23 8PM.
LA’s Fractional drew 300 recently to local show. Lava and Warner Bros. checking them out. Sort of Silverchair, Puddle of Mudd, Trust Company sounding.
San Francisco area band Lavabone featuring ex-players from Primer 55 and Insolence have new 3 song demo circulating produced by Dave Dominguez (Adema, Papa Roach, Staind, they draw 300+.
Celebrity plays Bowery Ballroom NYC July 18. Stereoblis at Arlene Grocery July 15 7PM.

June 25, 2002:

Assisted Living. Portland, Oregon. Draw 300 people to live shows. Compelling vocals, melodic. Modern rock edge but with a Jane’s Addiction influence. Two new MP3s below. ALL business questions to Gary at xendo@aol.com:

# Assisted Living “Useless”

# Assisted Living “Smoke and Mirrors”

Unsigned Research: Texas act Evamore is officially added at KDGE Dallas with “30 Day Hump”. Winston is added at 7 commercial Canadian stations including CFOX, CJAY with the John Webster (Bif Naked, The Cult, Tom Cochrane) produced “Bottom of the World” and they draw 500+ in Vancouver. San Francisco act Five a.m. draws 250+ to live shows, still being added at smaller market AAA stations, will play Nadine’s Wild Weekend. Washington D.C. act The Lost Trailers are plugging away, booked by The Agency Group, Willie Nelson is a fan, Republic execs among others at recent NYC show (contact is Kio at knovina@sbcglobal.net). Louisville act Element H seems to have a couple of Warner labels still tracking them, also one of the folks who helped get Guns ‘n Roses signed is into them, NYC showcase set for July.

June 14, 2002 A&R Notes:

# Tracer “Headlights”

# Chicago. I love this shit. Dark, moody, big rumbling bass sound. Think Stone Roses, My Bloody Valentine, The Cure. Good for TV/Film. End of Me “Higher Things”

Louisville, KY. Demo circulating to major labels at moment. Train meets 7 Mary 3 meets Sister Hazel meets Josh Joplin? David Chidekel lawyer, Mike Kempton/Scott Frazier management (Flaw, Outspoken).

News:
New Address (Demo Diaries November 2001) signed to Atlantic. So that’s now 117 Demo Diaries artists that have gone on to record deals.
I caught the Sea Ray show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge finally. I think I counted 70+ in audience. They’re getting lots of college radio adds plus had KCRW etc.
Chomsky plays Merc Lounge June 18 9PM.

August 22, 2002 Unsigned:

# I really like this new demo by Logic 34 from Memphis, TN. Their demos from two years ago were very Deftones. But Rick Beato spanked them in the ass and turned out this Our Lady Peace, Hoobastank, Splender kinda hook. For the record, they have not signed with Maverick. “All But Over”

# I also like this 20 year old kid Justin Hulsey from Lenexa, Kansas. Very Jackson Browne, Ryan Adams, maybe some Pete Yorn influence, Josh Joplin too. “Last Road to Blue Skies”

Others:
I love Everybody Uh-Oh from Chicago. 20 year olds that are in vein of Yo La Tengo. They probably belong on Matador. A solid indie record. Kissing Chaos from Austin, a new act featuring ex-members of Pop Unknown, Sparta, Mineral. Reportedly, Elektra, Island, Warner Bros., Epic, Revelation were listening to them. Bad Wizard from NYC (AC/DC meets The Stooges). I heard V2 and Capitol were checking them out. The Hiss from Atlanta, I heard American and Virgin were flying them in and that Island has seen them a few times. Northern California’s Spiritfall, they finally wrote a decent song (“What Happened to the First Time”) in a Hoobastank kinda way. Also Northern Cali’s Slowlurries are pluggin away, early U2 meets Sunny Day Real Estate. Nice intensity with the song “Wine and Vinyl”. The Lost Trailers will get an offer from Republic soon? NYC’s SiSe (a Latin answer to Sade?) sold 30K domestically on Luaka Bop, but what’s next for them? Luxx did demos with John Travis (Kid Rock, Buckcherry). They got a commercial radio add in Springfield, MA. Katrina, the group’s singer does an off broadway show in NYC, will be in Playboy this fall, was on Howard Stern yesterday morning, 50,000 hits to band’s website followed, talk of deal memo even prior to this?! Baltimore’s Malvado will return for another showcase August 29 at NYC’s Downtime, they’ve been in touch with Lava, Roadrunner, TVT, Columbia, their song “Spark” is pretty catchy, new songs in the works. NYC’s Jonny Lives has music circulating, UK folks seem to be picking up on it. NYC’s Alablaster is trying to ignite at small market radio to much success with “The Rave in Sharka Park.”

October 9, 2002

# Marlow. NYC based band. 2 Brit members. Lava, Universal, Elekra, J, Island have been going to their rehearsals in past couple of weeks. Rock with industrial/electronic elements. Vaguely like Stabbing Westward, Faith No More. No manager. Engineer/producer Paul Logus is a fan. Contact xendo@aol.com and I’ll patch you through. Listen here: “Marlow Demo”

October 7, 2002

Reed Waddle out of Gainesville, FL. 19 years old. Heavy Counting Crows influence. I’ve taken a personal interest in this one over the past 7 days. Coming up fast on the heel of buzz indie artist Graham Colton except I think Reed is a bit more compelling (raw and soulful rather) with the looks of a John Mayer. Here are the songs done at home studio:

# “I Saw Stars”

# “Shaken”

# “Good-bye Surely”

October 2, 2002 Unsigned:

St. Louis act Neptune Crush with “Dead Air”. Love this shit. Janes Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo, Blind Melon. Yet very progressive. Big things to come from them.
St. Louis act Disturbing the Peace with “Afraid to Breathe”. Sticks out as far as emo-crossver goes. I play it again and again so must be something there (both these acts found on Darren Hall’s KPNT-FM compilation. Also found on there is Big Blue Monkey who Maverick might already be picking up ).
Rockets and Cars has a good sound with “Soldiers”. No hits yet but sound is in the vein of Chili Peppers, U2, Incubus, Wayne.
LA’s Boink has a single with “Cocktail”. Needs remixing as does the rest of the full CD. They’re B-52s meets Go Gos. I think they belong on a credible indie but whatever. Nitro, Interscope, Atlantic, Columbia, Flawless have checked them out.
Columbus, OH act Watershed’s “Can’t Be Myself” has been in rotation at local WBZX. Their CD has sold thousands in a short amount of time. Return for NYC showcase on October 18 7PM Arlene Grocery (email Ron Severance at rseve14@aol.com). Their song is the one played when college football’s Ohio State Buckeyes run out of the tunnel-150,000 fans hear it each week. Lava and whoever else keep tracking them.
Power pop act The Wait got an official add at Albany’s WEQX with “Can’t Do Right” beating out Weezer and White Stripes for the time being. Phones lighting up.

News: I think Coalition Management (Our Lady Peace etc.) is still shopping Canadian act Blankforce. It’s all emo to me.
Josh Zandman (ex-Burlap to Cashmere) had Rick Elias produce his new song “Beautiful”. Really pretty and ambient for film/TV. Josh plays Bitter End 11/8.
High Water Rising preparing for showcase. Er?.I remember 2 years ago when I sat around on my bed listening to a cd they sent thinking I like the “moodiness” but what’s a label to do with these non-singles??blah blah blah.
Fono on tour with Goo Goo Dolls and Third Eye Blind. Were in touch with Wright Entertainment about possible management.
Cider at NYC’s Acme Underground tonite, tracks on their CD produced my Brett Hestla and Mark Mason, formerly in regular rotation at WTKS FL. Harmless pop rock in vein of Third Eye Blind, Tonic.
–These are all groups I covered a long time ago so no time for real detail today.

November 19, 2002

# St. Louis’ Neptune Crush being flown to NYC by Epic staff for private showcase this Friday Nov 22, listen below, it’s a bit like Janes Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins, contact xendo@aol.com “Dead Air”

# “Halos”

# Kaplan, Louisiana’s Schel Reaux. He’s 22 with the looks of actor Oliver Hudson (Dawson’s Creek). This song is Five for Fighting meets Pearl Jam. Love his voice, it’s truly seasoned. Big manager but no lawyer yet, contact xendo@aol.com “Blue Room”

# Chicago’s Stripping the Pistol. I hear now that a high profile major label A&R exec is definitely setting up the pivotal showcase where the label president will be present etc. Also, Sharon Osbourne handpicked their song “I Think There’s Something Wrong” to replace Tool in an episode of the Miramax bought “Osbournes” first season DVD series. I call the music psychotic sludge and I bloody fancy it, contact me xendo@aol.com “Sunshine in the Rain”
# “I Think There’s Something Wrong”

# Bergen, Norway trio Ephemera. Brilliant vocals. Like Bjork, Beth Orton, Cardigans, Simon & Garfunkel, Aimee Mann. 34,000 sold outside U.S. Current Lufthansa ad campaign in Europe. xendo@aol.com for more info. Listen: “Morning sun”

# Boston act KingSize. NYC showcases at SIR, 52nd Street, Wednesday Nov 20 at 2:30, 5:30, 7:30PM. Newer songs produced by Neil Dorfsman (Sting, Paul McCartney, Dire Straits). I actually prefer the glossy Goo Goo Dolls like “All the Way from Nowhere” instead of “More Than I Can Stand”. Listen: “All the Way from Nowhere”

News item: Jessica Harp (Demo Diaries May 22, 2002) signs a development deal with Elektra.

November 15, 2002

NYC’s The Stills (80s Brit Style goes indie…again) will be flown out to LA by big label to showcase at The Derby Nov. 22. Booking agents in UK and US alike are looking to get in on it. Offered 2003 European tour with Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Radio 4. Look for them in Fader Magazine January 2003. Mentioned last week in Entertainment Weekly. Well, well, well…Interpol has taken them under their wing. Bullocks!

November 14, 2002

# Miami act All is Well still sitting tight under the watchful eye of Atlantic, MCA, RCA, Warner Bros and Jive. Eminem affiliates Michael Strange and Urban Kris also checking into them. I reported on this band a long, long time ago. Rick Beato produced this song, he always makes sure that the artist includes a proper middle eight….yummy. They’re vaguely like Sugarcubes, Chumbawumba, Tanya Donelly. They have manager and lawyer. “Plastic Kiss”

November 13, 2002

# I dig the “Diary” demo by Cincinatti, Ohio act Spindle. It’s like Weezer, Jimmy Eat World but with a Brit style. Reportedly producer Roy Thomas Baker is interested. “Diary”

# West Palm Beach, FL unsigned act One gets an official add at commercial WPBZ (market 40) with “Immune”. It’s a little like Disturbed. No manager. Questions to xendo@aol.com “Immune”

November 7, 2002

# Unsigned Birmingham, AL act Lynam unofficially added at commercial WRAX with “Disco King” (many spins per week, as many as 2 times within 3 hours, #1 requested song at station). Foo Fighters meet Splender. Also their song “Losing Venus” is added at Little Rock, AR top 40 KLAZ. I heard Lava is flying to see them. Matt Greenberg is lawyer. “Disco King”

November 4, 2002

# NYC band Morningwood. 20 year old scenester Chantal Claret sings. I reckon she’s filthy minded. Pedro Yanowitz also in band (drummed for Wallflowers and Natalie Merchant). Sony Publishing might sign them. Reportedly Go Beat/Universal, Capitol, Gotham Public Relations and others will go to a private NYC showcase tonight. Sounds like early Blondie goes Breeders or rather The Pixies go estrogen. Big lawyer but no manager yet. Contact is xendo@aol.com “Jetsetter Music Letter”

# San Diego’s Tim Corley. Age 21. A mix of Tonic, Vertical Horizon, Oasis, David Gray. Contact is xendo@aol.com “Far from Me”

More Unsigned News:
The #1 thing is catching on….NYC indie band Sea Ray has the number one song on Cincinnati commercial WOXY with “Revelry”. They’ve beaten out Pearl Jam, Sigur Ros, White Stripes, Nirvana.
Klear is #1 at WEDG Buffalo with “It’s All on Me”.
Red Wanting Blue’s “Someone Save Us” in night rotation on top 40 commercial WNCI Columbus OH. Spins might increase very soon. 900 local draw, 5000 CDs sold in past.
# “Someone Save Us”

Watershed continues its reign at WWCD Columbus OH, their song “Anniversary” is now added.
# SouthFM still has its “Dear Claudia” add at Dallas’ KDGE.

Also added at KDGE is SouthFM indie label mate Evamore.
Austin commercial KLBJ added Ultrasonic’s “Break”, Saucer’s “You Belong”, Dames Violet song “What I Want” and Canvas song “Siren”. KROX added Dames Violet song “Forever”.
Willknots still spinning hard at Sacramento’s KWOD.
Boston act Bionic released an EP produced by Anthony J. Resta (Duran Duran, Megadeth, Collective Soul). He’s good at programming ain’t he. They’re like Godsmack, Staind but make an effort to write some crossover songs.

January 15, 2003

Slowly the label walls crumble as independent forces on and offline move in. The effort to pursue a stranglehold on copyrights is apparently futile. Allying with reluctant internet enemies will come around to bite the record company’s ass soon enough. The root of all music biz failures? Well that would be pitiful A&R types–some who were once feeble temps, interns or assistants (and still present themselves that way as far as music knowledge and know how), others who fell ass backwards into a “hit” (years ago mind you and have since signed 10 pathetic, riskless artists, all of which have tanked miserably). From the President’s office down to the mailroom, those who are informed, competent or passionate are few and far between. More specifically the “executives”: they do not know what they are are doing (they are not official professionals in the sense that medical doctors go through years of explicit training) despite what you’ve heard or think, but indeed they are paid large salaries in some cases and they do work out of an office under a “music” corporation. They’re usually known to assemble a nepotistic force of idiot friends to advise them and handle day to day affairs. Suspiciously many of these friends are hot women and men who couldn’t name all four Beatles to save their life. Now I ask you, fans of music or fans of money?

On the other hand, I want to thank a short list of “A&R” people who discovered and/or put out music that makes my life manageable:

Jackie Hayden, Nick Stewart, Annie Roseberry, Chris Blackwell, Marc Marot, Paul McGuiness, Chas De Whalley, Tom Nolan, Charlie Eyre etc. for putting U2 on the map. Chris Parry for signing The Cure. Geoff Travis for signing The Smiths, Joe moss for funding them beforehand. Miles Copeland for bringing up The Police and early R.E.M. Seymour Stein for licensing just about every 1980s UK band in the U.S. and for making CBGB a world wide name. And for signing the innovative Talking Heads without who Radiohead would have no name. Keith Wozencroft for getting Radiohead on Parlophone subsequently leading to “The Bends” release years later. Daniel Miller for signing Depeche Mode (and not having a written contract with them till the 4th album, bless him). Tony Wilson for starting Manchester and signing New Order. Alan McGhee for discovering Oasis and paving the way for other contemporary Brits to sell lots of records in America. Simon Williams for being the first to release a Coldplay song on UK indie Fierce Panda. David Boyd for signing The Verve to Hut. Ani DiFranco for…er…signing herself. Danny Sims and Chris Blackwell for signing Bob Marley. Tim Devine and Nanci Walker for putting out Pete Yorn’s debut. The unique and talented Peter Gabriel for putting out Joseph Arthur’s “Come to Where I’m From”. Jim Phelan for signing Patty Griffin. Derek Birkett at UK indie One Little Indian for bringing up The Sugarcubes (Bjork), Sneaker Pimps debut, Kitchens of Distinction. Tom Rothrock for signing Beck to Bongload, Chris Douridas for playing it on KCRW…later comes “Mutations” and now “Sea Change”. Dean Naleway and Peter Heur for bringing up Jane’s Addiction. Michael Goldstone for not fucking up Pearl Jam’s debut. Jonathan Poneman for signing Nirvana (a band that gets entirely too much credit for trying to change the musical landscape at the time). The shady Malcolm McLaren for promoting the Sex Pistols and instilling in our minds what “punk” looks like. Dick Rowe and George Harrison for bringing up The Rolling Stones. George Martin for signing The Beatles. Ahmet Ertegun for bringing up Led Zeppelin (their name came from The Who’s Keith Moon and John Entwistle).

January 14, 2003

# Eliot Morris. This kid is from Mobile, Alabama. Like Counting Crows.
“Thoughts On You and Me”

January 13, 2003

# Marc Broussard. Age 20. Lafayette, Louisiana. Like Jeffrey Gaines but more soul. I heard he played for Island and now Gary Gersh/Universal. Must contact xendo@aol.com “The Wanderer”

# Liam Lynch. Los Angeles. This UK native had his single “United States of Whatever” peak at #25 on Radio 1 Top 40 chart. Still added. It’s a humorous hit for specialty shows in the U.S. A major label has not picked it up yet. Contact xendo@aol.com “United States of Whatever”

Songs on the “A List”, Demo Diaries Retrospective 1998-2003:

# The Damnwells (sound like Nick Drake, David Gray, Pete Yorn) “The Trade”
(MP3)
# Twin-A (like Elliot Smith, Coldplay, Jeff Buckley) “Sucker”

# Ephemera (like Bjork, Beth Orton, Simon & Garfunkel) “Morning sun”

# Schel Reaux (like Five for Fighting, Pearl Jam) “Blue Room”

# Reed Waddle (like Counting Crows, John Mayer) “I Saw Stars”

# Neptune Crush (like Janes Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins) “Dead Air”

# Fischerspooner (SIGNED, like New Order or Kraftwerk) “Emerge”

# Celebrity (like The Smiths, The Cure) “Cave”

# eastmountainsouth (SIGNED, like Patty Griffin) “Ghost”

# Gene (like The Smiths) “Let Me Move On”

# Kristin Hoffmann (like Norah Jones, Fiona Apple, Bonnie Raitt, Sarah McLachlan) “Lay Down Your Light”

# High Water Rising (like The Wallflowers, Counting Crows) “Wasted Days”

# Tim Corley (like David Gray, Tonic, Jayhawks, Oasis) “Far from Me”

# Missy Higgins (SIGNED, like Alana Davis) “All for Believing”

# Damone (SIGNED, formerly Noelle, sounds like a 1980s Liz Phair) “Up to You”

# Morris Air (like a remixed Radiohead) “Traffic”

# Tracer (like Stone Roses) “Headlights”

# Jacobstone (like U2, Pearl Jam) “Prince”

# Sunfall Festival (like The Sundays, Radiohead) “Victim”

# Noon Layer Drive (like The Verve, Radiohead) “My Own Advice”

# Nina Hynes (like Bjork, Air) “Tenderness”

# Theo Eastwind (like Nick Drake, Dave Matthews) “Right of Passage”

# Tamara Williamson (like Cocteau Twins, Bjork) “Downsizing”

# Lima (like The Sundays, Cranberries) “Hymn To Her”

# Spindle (like Jimmy Eat World) “Diary”

# New Address (SIGNED, like Stereophonics, Jayhawks, Rod Stewart) “Lasting Words”

# King Konga (like Edwin McCain) “100 Days”

March 28, 2003

Brooke Adams. Los Angeles by way of Fort Worth, Texas. 16 year old singer-songwriter. For fans of Avril, Alanis, Michelle Branch. A new hook to help broken hearted youth quell their misery. Several LA meetings with Maverick, Java, A&M, Epic. 5 song demo produced by collective The Element comprised of Robert Palmer/Lindy Robbins (Faith Hill/Lisa Loeb), Marc Nelkin, Jess Cates. Coming to NYC April 7-11. Lawyer is Debra Markowitz. No manager yet. Michael Mavrolas at genuinerep@earthlink.net
“The 5th of Never”

# Neptune Crush. St. Louis, Missouri. For fans of Janes Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo, Blind Melon. New demo of “Home”. Many have been interested: Maverick, Wind-Up, Lava, RCA, Epic, Atlantic, Columbia, Geffen, Flawless, Warner Bros, Interscope, No Name, ArtistDirect, Dave Jerden, Joe Chicarelli, David Ellefson. In addition, 10 management companies are on the tip. 4000 in career sales. 400-500 draw at local shows. Lawyer is Danny Hayes (Linkin Park, Tool). No manager yet. Eddie at eddie@neptunecrush.com
www.neptunecrush.com/mp3s.html
“Home”

# Jet Set Satellite. Winnipeg, Canada. For fans of Stabbing Westward, Rob Zombie. “Among the Living” rings with this poetic mantra. 46,000 sold worldwide on previous label. 800 draw in Canada’s larger markets. Have opened for The Stereophonics, Goldfinger, Matthew Good, Econoline Crush, Bif Naked. No manager or lawyer at the moment. Trevor at jetsetsatellite@hotmail.com.
www.jetsetsatellite.com/promo
“Among the Living”

# Reed Waddle. Destin, Florida. Age 20. For fans of Counting Crows, John Mayer, Van Morrison. Definitely refreshing and organic narratives. Showcase: Florida Music Festival in Orlando Friday April 11 at the Wall Street Mainstage 12:00AM. Acoustic set April 12 at Room 39 11PM. Several labels are on the tip. Actively seeking a booking agent. Dave Waddle at songkrafter@yahoo.com.
www.reedwaddle.com
“The Roundabout”

# Joski. London, England. For fans of Bush, Eve 6, Bad Religion, 311. Crisp, melodic, radio chorus. Labels on the tip are Infectious, Warner, Gut, Mercury and B-Unique. Up to 100 live draw. Lawyers are Nigel Gilroy/Rupert Sprawson at Davenport Lyons. Manager David M. Smith at email@management.joski.co.uk.
www.joski.co.uk
“Sad Smile”

# Watershed. Columbus, Ohio. Perhaps it can be said that “Anniversary” is one single Soul Asylum never wrote. Approximately 36,400 in career sales including soundscan/mom & pop/tour. Massive support, regular rotation from WWCD-FM for the Tim Patalan (Sponge, The Fags) produced “The More it Hurts, The More it Works” LP. Two shows in the same month this year include 1500 draw at Promowest Pavillion, 900 draw at Newport Music Hall. Featured on Abercrombie and Fitch website, Hollister and Company website/in store promotion. New live footage DVD. Lawyer is Andy Tavel. Manager Ron Severance at rseve14@aol.com.
www.watershedcentra.com
“Anniversary”

March 20, 2003

# Jinnrail. New York City. They’re the epitome of cool. It’s like The Stone Roses doing the Rolling Stones’ “Bitch”. Spirit Music, Columbia, Warner Bros. have taken notice. Tracks licensed by Fox TV and MTV. 12 song LP complete and seeking distribution. Show at Brooklyn’s Luxx March 28 and Midwest dates in April. No lawyer yet although at least two big ones are interested. Manager Craig Pizzella at oldschoolmgmt@aol.com. www.jinnrail.net
“Sex on Saturday”

# Few and Far Between. Detroit. Their sound is Afghan Whigs, Sunny Day Real Estate, Police (circa 1977). This is volume, hook and heart. It’s pure. Dreamworks and a few others are on the tip. 300 to local shows plus some turnout in the Northeast. 3000 in previous sales. New 12 song LP. No manager or lawyer yet. They’re actively seeking a booking agent. Joe Philips at thefewbixcube@hotmail.com. www.fafbmusic.com
“Maybe for Now”

# Forty Percent. Dallas. For fans of Third Eye Blind, Incubus, The Calling. Proud, polished, edgy melodic pop rock. New 12 song LP. Over 400 local draw, 300 in Louisiana. KDGE considering the record. Lawyer is Mike McKoy. Manager Travis Hill at travis@clarityentertainment.com. www.fortypercent.com
“To October”

# Adrianne. Los Angeles. For fans of Ani DiFranco, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan. Simply put, it’s rare that you find poignant imagery like hers. Has signed to Mosaic Music Publishing (ZZ Top, Aerosmith). 5000 in career sales. Lawyer is Scott Harrington. Joe Ross or Lionel Conway at Mosaic, jross@mosaicla.com. www.adrimusic.com
“Dream of Rome”

# Dan Goddard Collective. Boston. Formerly called Silver Company. At 19, Goddard already has this charismatic timbre that masks budding sincerity with cheeky angst. Atlantic, J, Elektra, Roadrunner are aware. The music overall combines modern tinged rock with gutty pop. 11 song LP complete. Michael Wagener (Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Janet Jackson, Queen) produced 5 songs including “Matter of Time” below. No manager yet but has been talking to a few firms. No lawyer yet. Todd Levett at Taldog33@aol.com. www.dangoddard.com
“Matter of Time”

March 12, 2003

# Nerami. Los Angeles. For fans of Coldplay, U2, Radiohead, Travis. Elektra, Flawless, Virgin, Columbia, Geffen, Sony (UK) all have been on the tip early. New EP just out. Their songs “Tuesday”, “Swallow”, “Uninspired”, “Stranger”, “Lucky”, “Little Things” all have hot, moody hooks. Link to http://www.nerami.com. Contact Oren at oren@nerami.com, lawyer is Ken Burry. No management yet.
“Tuesday”

# Speedstar. Brisbane, Australia. For fans of Travis, Mazzy Star. A real melancholy charm to them. Signed to EMI Australia, looking for U.S. and UK deal. Rotation at Triple J and Triple M radio networks. Warner Bros. artist Kasey Chambers sings backing vocals on “It’s okay to be sad when it rains” (song link below). Have opened for Doves, Ed Harcourt, Idlewild, Starsailor in addition to just completing a headlining sold out tour. Link to http://www.users.on.net/jpk/speedstar.html. Contact manager James Kliemt at jpk@internode.net.au.
“It’s okay to be sad when it rains”

# Jolynn Daniel. Des Moines, Iowa. For fans of Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams. Lush, seasoned sound with captivating lyrics and melodies. Previously reviewed in Billboard (Spotlight Album Review), Rolling Stone, Album Network, FMQB. Players on new album “Come Closer” include Matthew Ryan (Kasey Chambers), Kami Lyle (Patty Griffin, Ron Sexsmith), Ken Coomer (ex-Wilco). Mixes by John Mark Painter (John Mayer, Ben Folds, Sixpence None the Richer). Early spins in Europe (Belgium, Holland, Germany). Draws 200 in hometown with sizable followings in South Florida, Nashville. Debut CD Sold over 2500 units with no distribution. Contact RSM at rebelsky@aol.com, lawyer is Craig Harmon.
“Everybody Else Does”

Turn Up the Volume!
# Mondoz. Austin, Texas. Elements of Tool and Rush. Very intense, smart stuff with a big chorus. Showcase at Los Angeles’ Bar Sinister March 19 at 10PM. On the tip are William Morris, Spivak Entertainment, Velvet Hammer/Atlantic, No Name/Elektra, Hollywood Records, Columbia Records, Warner Bros., producer Mike Clink (Guns n’ Roses). Lawyer is Monika Tashman, no management yet. Contact Dustin at dustin@mondoz.com.
“Compulsion”

# Downstage. New Jersey. In vein of Puddle of Mudd, Quicksand, Godsmack. Heavy, melodic and with grit. Showcase at The Continental in NYC Monday March 24 at 8PM. On the tip are Hollywood, Atlantic, Lava, Elementree, No Name/Elektra, Capitol, MCA. Link to http://www.downstagerocks.com. Contact manager James Brogan at info@primedentertainment.com, lawyer is Kim Guggenheim (Smashmouth, Oleander etc.)
“Truly”

# Stripping the Pistol. Chicago. Brand new demo “Black Reflection”. 800 kids came out to see them at The Metro recently. High profile Columbia A&R guy Matt Pinfield (K-Rock DJ, 120 Minutes, Farmclub) met the band and indicated he wants to sign them. He calls them “garage metal”. Quite frankly it’s bombastic and dangerous, a Foo Fighters radio hook meets Motorhead. Contact Pete Tsiolis at zoident@aol.com.
“Black Reflection”

Demo Diaries A&R, 1999-2006, Part 6

November 5-12, 2001

# Northern Ireland intelligent dance music act Lima has some new unfinished demos I snuck out of studios, two are acoustic. Something like Delerium, Everything But the Girl, Sundays, Sixpence. Listen:

# Dust2Dust

# Hymn To Her

# The Light

contact me at xendo@aol.com

# Unsigned/Indie Commercial Adds: Wheatland, Oklahoma’s Huver added to KDGE Dallas, former members of The Nixons, new demo by producer Steven Haigler (Fuel,Oleander,Local H), sounds almost like Lit, listen here:Lower

Email me at xendo@aol.com, I’ll patch you through to manager Travis Hill. San Francisco band Luce continues to impact radio: KFOG San Francisco, KRSH Santa Rosa CA, KBAC Santa Fe NM, WXPN Philadelphia, KTBG Kansas City MO. They will be on Aware 9 Compilation and on national TV spot for American Leather (Joe Schuld at joesmusic@kc.rr.com). Wetwerks added to WHRL Albany, C-Toe added to WLZR Milwaukee. Left Front Tire added to KWOD Sacramento and WDVT Cape Cod. Gladyss Patches added to WEDG Buffalo. Jack Johnson gets more adds at KAHA Honolulu, WAVF Charleston, KCNL San Jose. The Blank Theory (D Diaries 1/16/01) signed to New Line/Warner. Bleu (D Diaries 10/2/00) signed to Aware/Columbia.

October 29,2001

# Toledo, Ohio act Mad Mordigan did some demos for Columbia and one of them sounds like this (Puddle of Mudd meets Lit meets Deftones):”Staring at the Sun”
contact Chris Peters for more info, cwap71@aol.com

Unsigned/Indie on Commercial Radio: 99X commercial radio in Atlanta adds Left Front Tire’s “Bring You Down” (off “American Pie” soundtrack). Universal/Republic has first rights of refusal etc. They still sound like Blink 182. WBBB Raleigh NC adds Far Too Jones. CFOX Vancouver adds By Divine Right. WPGU Champaign IL is spinning Absinthe Blind and Bottle of Justus. A.F.I. added again at WROX Norfolk VA. Jack Johnson on XTRA San Diego.

October 25,2001

# Scratching Post “Sorry for You”

# Ontario, Canada. Brand new demo produced by Chris and Drew Peters (of Sony Publ. act Six Clips). Veruca Salt meets Kittie. Manager Chip Ruggieri, cruggieri@aol.com. Lawyer Matt Greenberg, mgreenberg@gispc.com Cloud 10 “The Sky is Falling”

# Northern Georgia/Atlanta. 17-20 year olds. I heard Capitol, Atlantic, Columbia, Arista, London-Sire etc. will see them play. Almost a little heavier than Smashing Pumpkins or Our Lady Peace. David Prasse, lawyer at dwprasse@mindspring.com Jeremiah Freed “Again”

Portland, Maine. The kids keep callin’ to hear them on the radio. Lifehouse meets Train. T.J. McNaboe at tjmcnaboe@msn.com, manager and Mike McCoy lawyer. UPDATE: Signed to Republic/Universal in November 2001.

Where are all the young, hungry producers/engineers in NYC??? I need one to work with me on something right now. Preferably you have your own set-up/space (pro tools!? or….). Spec or moderate pay…depends on what you have going on. And I hope you’re one to know that the phrase “major label interest” plus a $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee. Email me at xendo@aol.com.

News: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina act Echo 7 back in NYC this week to play for labels again. Who saw them already? Elektra, Warner Bros., Atlantic, J, Arista, RCA, Universal, MCA, Epic, Columbia, Sanctuary, TVT, Wind-up. Demo was done by Dust for Life producer Pete Matthews (lawyer Steve Sidman at sidmans@gtlaw.com, manager Terry White). justincase signing to Maverick (posted in Demo Diaries 16 months ago June 6,2000).

October 22,2001

# Missy Higgins “All for Believing”

# Melbourne, Australia. 18 years old. Was in regular rotation on Australian commercial Triple J. Signed to Eleven/EMI over there. I heard a few major U.S. labels are seriously pursuing her now. From what I’ve learned she’s not ready to hit the studio until sometime in 2002 because she’s going traveling in Europe. Reference points would be Alana Davis, Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Tori. Contact would be John Watson at johnwmgt@ozemail.com.au Downside “Recover”

# San Jose, California. Progressive sounding like Tool, melodic like Deftones. Negotiating with major label now after playing in front of Capitol, Interscope, Dreamworks, Columbia, Atlantic etc. Open to other offers. Jay Baumgardner will produce label debut. Band member Eric Victorino can patch you through to manager Dennis Rider, email vocals@downside.ws Quench “Taught by Heroes”

# Charleston, South Carolina. Similar to Pressure 4-5, Deftones, Tool. Still on playlist at commercial WAVF. Alan Price at quenchmusic@hotmail.com Lift 6 Eighteen “Compromise”

# Hampton Roads, Virginia. They’re like Godsmack, Drowning Pool. Contact jimmy.anderson@verizon.net Wide Awake “Better Than One”

# Marysville, Washington. They’re like Better Than Ezra, Semisonic, Matchbox 20 or maybe even U2 or Travis in the ballads. I have receipts here for cd manufacturer orders/re-orders, numbers add up to 15,244. So they must’ve sold a ton of cds out of their van. Non stop touring for a couple of years now. Contact would be Lott Shudde at fullmoonent@mindspring.com Chomsky “Light”

# Dallas, Texas. They’re still on playlist at commercial KDGE and were on KKMR. Racked up 210 spins in past weeks. Weezer meets XTC. Contact is Erv Karwelis at erv@idol-records.com Stripping the Pistol “I Think There’s Something Wrong”

# Chicago, Illinois. I posted them a long time ago. They picked up a new drummer, Joe Nunez from Soulfly. Now I hear they’re coming to NYC to showcase for a major label that’s into them. Also have a show 10/21 at Chicago’s Metro with Alone and Soil. Contact is Pete Tsiolis at zoident@aol.com Attention “What if Great”

Minneapolis, Minnesota. Home studio demo. Melodic pop rock sensibility. A band to keep an eye on. Steven Nearenberg at nearenberg@hotmail.com

Other artists added/regular rotation at commercial radio: Jeremiah Freed on WCYY Portland ME (#1 requested at station, T.J. McNaboe at tjmcnaboe@msn.com). A.F.I. is on KROQ LA, KEDJ Phoenix, KXRK Salt Lake City. Gene is on WBER Rochester NY. Jump Little Children on WSFM Wilmington NC. Headstones on CFNY Toronto. Smackradio and Omniblank on KMBY Monterey CA. Supermodel on WJNE Ocean City MD. Julian Fist on WQXA Harrisburg PA.

News: Burlap to Cashmere (formerly on A&M) will play a packed NYC Arlene Grocery show 11/7. Expected are RCA, Atlantic, Squint etc. They have sold 400,000+ worldwide (Diane Ernest 718-491-3474). Miami’s All Is Well is an electronic-rock outfit. I heard Epic flew them to NYC for a show. Evolution Talent Agency is now booking them. Show in Fort Lauderdale at Chili Pepper 10/27 (Mathew Beckerman at mat@noworneverrecords.com). Also at Chili Pepper 10/27 is Jacksonville hardcore band Order by Chaos, reportedly Roadrunner, Elementree, Elektra, Maverick have been in touch with them (Mike Ciero at obchaos@aol.com). Premium to play Chicago’s Metro 11/11, Interscope scheduled to attend. Houston’s Faceplant to play NYC 11/8 at Acme Underground, RCA, Epic, Roadrunner, Warner Bros., Razor & Tie might be there. Another Man Down at NYC’s Mercury Lounge 10/22 8PM. Schatzi (D Diaries 1/16/01) is on Mammoth. The Szuters (D Diaries 5/15/00) are on Gold Circle.

October 15,2001

Watershed does a showcase at NYC’s Arlene Grocery Tuesday October 16 7PM. They sound like Replacements, Soul Asylum, American Hi-Fi, Cheap Trick. I’ll be there in my ugly green and black Structure jacket.

Sunfall Festival has offer but is looking elsewhere for healthier option. Producer Paul Fox (new Sixpence None The Richer, 10000 maniacs, Sugarcubes, XTC, Semisonic, Phish, Wallflowers) said he wants to produce next record. 3 demo MP3s below this entry. The songs represent their melodic pop sense and depth. Ultimately, a label record would fall in the vein of The Sundays, Frente and others mentioned above. Amy’s voice is precious. In the case that you love what you hear I’m the contact, Gary at xendo@aol.com

# Sunfall Festival “Victim”

# Sunfall Festival “Wah-Oh”

# Sunfall Festival “Someone’s Favorite Song”

December 9, 2001 Sampler (new songs added)

# Sound of Speed “Rear View”

# NYC. Big label execs and management pursuing band. They are of the Incubus, Puddle of Mudd variety. Nick Sciorra at nsciorra@smmmusiclaw.com Noelle “Up to You”

# Boston. 15 year old girl. Sounds like Liz Phair goes 1980s. Pete Galli at galli@cybercom.net King Konga “100 Days”

# Mississippi. Good for TV-Film. Power ballad like Edwin McCain. Their single is added at WZPL Indianapolis and other small commercials. Randy Sadd at protocolmusic@aol.com New Address “Lasting Words”

# Tallahassee, FL. This cut in particular is like Stereophonics meets Jayhawks. Name producers interested already. Rob Gilmore at hotrom@gnt.net The Used “The Taste of Ink”

# Sounds like Lit or Hoobastank with hardcore moments? Said to have had 6 label offers. Deal with Warner Bros pending. Bullets of Orange “Let Me Love You”

# Nashville. Smashing Pumpkins meet Jeff Buckley. David Park at davidcpark@attbi.com Bully Pulpit “Six”

# NYC. Tough street rap from white guys. Signed to kingpin video producer Hype William’s production company. An interested Rick Rubin had flown them out to LA. Ray Maiello at moontower@earthlink.net Evil Engine #9 “Losing Control”

# Louisville KY. Deftones influences. Elektra, Roadrunner, Columbia , Lava all have demo. Scott Frazier at managemusiq@aol.com, lawyer is David Chidekel. Corey “Bleed for You”

# New York. Newer demo. Fuel goes garage. Andrew Bergman at abergman@mail2dsl.com Big Sky “Slow”

# Gainesville, FL. Compare this one to Train. They sell lots of records-24,000 I think. Eric Manin at emanin@hotmail.com Jibe “Yesterday’s Gone”

Dallas. Good for TV-Film. Was on some small commercial stations. Reminds me of The Cult. Monika Tashman at mtashman@smmmusiclaw.com

News Item: Virginia’s Bailout said to have demo offer from Hollywood, Jim Anderson at andersonentertainment@hotmail.com

New in A&R, March 2002 (contact me if you care about these bands and I’ll fill you in, xendo@aol.com):

First and foremost, something that I want to sign and that I love go to this link: http://www.demodiaries.com/vip/john

# Hudson River School “Don’t Keep Me Waiting”

# Salt Lake City. Jimmy Eat World meets Toad the Wet Sprocket Averi “In Tune”

# Boston. Almost 300 draw to live shows, CD produced by Mike Denneen (Howie Day). Sounds like Toad the Wet Sprocket, Live, Vertical Horizon. SomeOtherLife “Crush”

Orlando,FL. Produced by Rick Beato. Sounds like 3 Doors Down, Matchbox 20, Puddle of Mudd.

Highwater Rising “Wasted Days”. San Francisco. Some tracks produced by Eric Valentine (Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth). Sounds like Counting Crows, The Wallflowers.

# Melodrome “Flowers”

Western Massachusetts. Like U2, Stones, Joseph Arthur

# Stripping the Pistol “Sunshine in the Rain”

This demo is officially added at WLUM Milwaukee and is in light rotation at KAZR Des Moines and KMYZ Tulsa. Who’s listening? Universal, Arista, Warner Bros, Elektra, Epic (contact Pete at zoident@aol.com).

News: UK band The Most might be flown here by such labels as Dreamworks and RCA. It’s pending. Several labels have the demo, Adam Kaplan at akaplan@rudolphbeer.com
California band Army of Fresman has 5300+ in sales, new single being serviced, Rod Ensminger at rodventura@aol.com
Javier Mendoza band getting 20 spins week at KYKY St. Louis, Dan Friedman at danieldrf@aol.com
Big Sky added at commercials WPLA Jacksonville and Z100 Gainesville FL.
Blue Sun has sold around 3500 cds. Show April 5th at NYC’s Bitter End 8pm, Josh at dialinggod@aol.com.

# Tamara Williamson “Downsizing”

# Toronto. Like Cocteau Twins, Bjork, Enya, Cranberries, Beth Orton. Formerly of BMG act Mrs. Torrance. Contact xendo@aol.com Fischerspooner “Emerge”

NYC. New Order meets Kraftwerk meets Devo. Hip art band that everyone is hyper about in NYC, UK, L.A. Contact xendo@aol.com

Circ “Destroy She Said”. NYC. Following in the wake of successful IDM acts iio, Ian Van Dahl, Gigi D’Agastino. German labels offering, Ministry of Sound interested etc. Contact xendo@aol.com

W.I.T. (Whatever it Takes), another NYC nu-electro act, also has industry looking at them. They’re likened to DeeLite, Yazoo, Debbie Harry.

News: KNDD Seattle, WBRU Providence, WNNX Atlanta, WPLY Philly, WCYY Portland ME all add Dashboard Confessional “Sceaming Infidelities” (Vagrant) 60,000 sold? Spin, Interview, Alt. Press features. Jeremiah Freed (Universal) early add at WBRU. Faceplant (Demo Diaries April 24,2000) signs to EMI Publishing, label showcase Feb. 6 9:30 at Acme Underground in NYC. The adult alternative sounds of unsigned band Luce seem to keep getting official adds at commercial radio, the latest being KINK Portland, KBCO Boulder CO, WXRV Boston, KTHX Reno. Showcase for Interscope February 8, reportedly have offers from Lost Highway and Nettwerk (Joe Schuld, joesmusic@kc.rr.com). eastmountainsouth (D Diaries June 25,2001) signed to Dreamworks.

May 22, 2002 A&R Notes:

You see the article in Billboard Magazine May 25 issue page 16 about Rearview Mirror and producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews, Counting Crows)? It reads “..Lillywhite first heard of the band through an internet mailing list..”, that internet mailing list is my Demo Diaries emailer. Er..that’s the second time I’ve been in Billboard, and also what about my mentions in the NY Times and Chicago Sun Times…remember those?hehee..

Graham Colton from Dallas, Texas. 5 piece, singer is age 20. They have second or third singles and are probably about a minute away from writing a monster hit. Ingredients include Counting Crows, Vertical Horizon, The Calling, Third Eye Blind, Wallflowers, Duncan Sheik, Matchbox 20. Cary Piece (of former A&M act Jackopierce) produced it. Hooky, youthful vocal style. 2000 CDs sold since Feb 2002 release. 500 kid draw to local shows. Hot prospect definitely. Elektra, Warner Bros., MCA, Lava, Artemis are in touch so far. No lawyer yet. Contact me for this at xendo@aol.com

News:
NYC act Royal Playboy Cartel reportedly has Roc-a-fella, Republic, Lava into them. May 24 Showcase at Don Hill’s in NYC.
UK act The Most and NYC’s Longwave=RCA?
NYC’s Alablaster continues to plug away, they’re kinda David Byrne meets The Modern Lovers.
Chicago act The Ghost sold 1004 CDs last week, 1500 total.
Close buddy to Michelle Branch, 20 year old Kansas City girl Jessica Harp is shaping up into a little Shelby Lynn.

May 14, 2002 A&R Notes:

I?ve decided I really like Pittsburgh?s New Invisible Joy. Had the new demo for months now, ?Alone? is a good one produced by Ed Tuton (Alana Davis, Maxwell), Shudder to Think meets Remy Zero. 7PM May 29 show at Arlene Grocery.
LA?s Gabriel Mann is coming up. He?s Peter Gabriel meets Adam Duritz. First two cuts off new demo are good, potential for sonic greatness, strings and all. Producer David Bottrill (Tool, Peter Gabriel) heard and might get involved.
Boston?s Piebald has the new cd produced by Paul Kolderie (Radiohead, Hole). Career sales at 10,000. ?American Hearts? single gets an official add at Honolulu commerical KAHA. I liken them to Weezer meets Ben Folds. They?re touring with Juliana Theory and Nashville act Celebrity who I mentioned some time ago, another band that?s going somewhere.
Lefty departed Interscope some time ago. Almost 10,000 CDs sold of debut. New demos are sorta Lit, Jimmy Eat World, Elvis Costello or Cracker maybe. ?Miserable? is a good one.
Austin?s The Gloria Record has a new cd at well over 1000 in sales. AP write up on them. Selling out shows.
German act Liquido is on Virgin in Europe. 400,000 in career sales, 1 million singles sold. No U.S. deal yet. Melodic pop rock with indie stylings. I guess Germans don?t just like David Hasselhoff afterall.
Bay Area act Unjust finally comes up with a good one in ?Tired?, new demo. Hoobastank, Tool sounding. So maybe Hoobastool or Toobastank. Yea, that joke didn?t go over well. Zip it.
And there?s the show this Fri nite at CBGB with Spacerace, apparently 4 labels will show. Reminds me of how I listed all the “hip” bands the music biz is scrambling for at my site, then you play one of those bands at a friends party in NYC no less and everyone thinks they blow. Go figure.
LA’s John DiGrazia suddenly has Island interested. They?re supposed to see him play Fri nite. I liken him to David Gray goes American.
I mentioned Hudson River School and Averi (almost 1000 sold of new cd, 650 kids at release party show in Boston) a long time ago. Both are now surrounding themselves with music biz power people.
Oh, and please email me if youre a well connected person in R&B/Urban. I have something to tell you about.

Unsigned April 24 MP3 Sampler:

# Bigger Than You “California”

# Milwaukee. STP meets Rob Zombie. Artist Direct and Island have the music, Capitol was interested. Jeff Klein “Five Good Reasons”

# Austin. 25 year Old. Nick Drake meets Bruce Springsteen. Matthew Ryan produced CD. Patty Griffin guest sings on album. I think Interscope just saw him play. Stereoblis “One Minute”

Nashville. Goo Goo Dolls hooks. Said to have publishing offer.

News:
The Mooney Suzuki were spotlighted on MTV, have offer from Roadrunner and being looked at by Dreamworks, Warner Bros., Republic, Ultimatum etc.
LA act Lexicon expecting a label offer, interested are Arista, Capitol, Columbia, Dreamworks.
Out with the new in with the old, the music industry scrambles to reinvent alternative: The Vue, Hives, Strokes, White Stripes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Faint, French Kicks, Vines, Walkmen, Liars, Interpol, Realistics, Dashboard Confessional, Thursday, Thrice, Detachment Kit, Trail of Dead, Distillers etc etc…

Unsigned April 16 MP3 Sampler Below (I’ll answer any questions at xendo@aol.com):

# Kristin Hoffmann “Lay Down Your Light”

# NYC. 21 year old. This is the melody/song that moves me off her advance CD. It gives me the same feeling that Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me?” does. Full length due out, noted producer Ian Cross did a track on it. I?m going to the NYC show this Thursday April 18 8PM at Don Hill’s. Her talent seems effortless, confident and simply innate. You might hear Fiona Apple, Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, Natalie Merchant, Tori Amos in her. Minus “Balls”

# Atlanta. Newer demo that?s like the rock side of Deftones, POD, Papa Roach. Melodic, catchy, energetic. The Rugs “Breakdown”

# Nashville. Song is now added at commercial radio WRAX Birmingham. A more rootsy Soul Asylum, Fuel or Lifehouse. Celebrity “Cave”

# Nashville. Like Kent, Gene, The Cure, Splender, The Smiths. Dark sexy bass line to follow along with. Each listen gets better. Produced by Mark Nash (husband to Leigh from Sixpence None The Richer). Pinehurst Kids “Silent Treatment”

Portland, Oregon. Emo that’s probably rooted in Sunny Day Real Estate. John Goodmanson (Harvey Danger, Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, Mary Lou Lord) just did this demo with them.

Unsigned April 1 MP3 Sampler Below (contact me if you care about these bands and I’ll fill you in, xendo@aol.com):

# Lamb “Gabriel”

# London. Fanbase in Europe and pockets of fans/specialty radio support in North America. Dido meets Faithless meets Bjork. I?m not allowed to actually post this MP3, so this is a deadlink on purpose. Signed to Mercury UK, Universal labels in U.S. have not yet optioned newest CD ?What Sound?, released 6 months ago in UK. On “Six Feet Under” soundtrack. Lima “Hold On”

# Magherfelt, Northern Ireland. Cranberries meets Massive Attack meets Dido. Brand new demo. John Lardieri “Bitch”

# NYC. New raw acoustic demo. His vocal capacity and prolific songwriting seems unmatched by most stuff out there. Further more two of the industry?s biggest veterans with incredible track records see something in him. Replacements meets Jeff Buckley meets Ani DiFranco. Amazing Device “Calamine”

# NYC. New demo. Catchy chorus. Not unlike Hoobastank. Celldweller “Stay With Me”

# NYC. SIR Studios industry showcase this Wednesday April 3 at 7PM, 310 W. 52 Street in NYC. I?ll be there. Finished masters, mixed by Ben Grosse (Filter, Vertical Horizon) and Scott Humphrey (Rob Zombie). Sounds like Tool, NIN. Highwater Rising “Wasted Days”

# San Francisco. Have officially begun shopping songs. Had add at KCRW in LA. Counting Crows meet The Wallflowers. Melodic yet subtle. Producers Eric Valentine (Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth)and Phil Steir are on top of this. SomeOtherLife “Crush”

# Orlando,FL. Produced by Rick Beato. Sounds like 3 Doors Down, Matchbox 20, Puddle of Mudd. Radio Holiday “Knowledge Hurts”

# Detroit. Bad Religion meets Sugar meets Helmet. New cd and building a fanbase. Go Kart Go “I’m Gone”

# San Francisco. Replacements meet Dinosaur Jr. meets Goo Goo Dolls. Morris Air “Traffic”

# New Jersey. Radiohead goes ambient. New demos on the way. Hudson River School “Don’t Keep Me Waiting”

# Salt Lake City. Jimmy Eat World meets Toad the Wet Sprocket Averi “In Tune”

# Boston. Almost 300 draw to live shows, CD produced by Mike Denneen (Howie Day). Sounds like Toad the Wet Sprocket, Live, Vertical Horizon. Laura Doyle “Your Love”

# Los Angeles. Beth Orton meets AIR. Noon Layer Drive “My Own Advice”

# Milton Keynes, UK. Radiohead meets The Verve, a ballad. Melodrome “Flowers”

# Western Massachusetts. Like U2, Stones, Joseph Arthur Stripping the Pistol “Sunshine in the Rain”

This demo is officially added at WLUM Milwaukee and is in light rotation at KAZR Des Moines and KMYZ Tulsa. Who’s listening? Universal, Arista, Warner Bros, Elektra, Epic (contact Pete at zoident@aol.com).

Unsigned Radio Add/News:
Long Island/NYC act Early Edison getting spiked at commercial WLIR NYC/Long Island this week.
Los Angeles’ mellowdrone (not the same as Melodrome mentioned above!) has Epic, Columbia, Warner Bros., Island, Velvet Hammer/Atlantic, Elementree, Extasy/WB all interested, ASCAP showcase in LA at Viper Room April 11.

Other NYC showcases I?m scheduled to attend this month:
Alone at CBGB 4/9 7PM (Island, Roadrunner, Koch expected)
Wide Awake at Acme Underground 4/10 7PM
Timo at Arlene Grocery 4/8 9PM
Averi at Lion?s Den 5/2
Update: Demo Diaries artists’ Luce signing to Nettwerk and Social Burn went to Elektra.

Demo Diaries A&R, 1999-2006, Part 5, Papa Roach

August 13, 2001

More Unsigned Radio Adds: Tribe of Judah on WFNX Boston. Buzz Poets on WEJE Ft. Wayne IN. Boxelder on WRLX West Palm Beach FL. *The Strokes (RCA) get an add at XTRA San Diego, album drops Sept. 25.

August 7, 2001

More Unsigned News: San Diego’s Shadow Drop has a label offer. Reportedly showcased for Immortal, Maverick, RCA. 10 labels scheduled to attend August 28 10PM show at LA’s Roxy. Guitar riffs are not unlike Metallica at times but a bit poppier overall (Brian Harold at shadowdrop2@home.com). Poughkeepsie, New York band L.B.S. (featuring 2 members of Island act Pound) has a new demo. Sort of Live meets Soundgarden. Their song “Vital Sign” has an add at hip commercial WDST Poughkeepsie. Still with EMI Publishing. Show August 14 at NYC’s CBGB 8:30PM (Joe Verdi at joeverd@aol.com). LA’s eastmountainsouth now has “Ghost” on KCRW. Houston’s Faceplant still seems to have RCA and Warner Bros interested. Atlanta’s Soup recorded new songs with Russ-T and Scott Mikell. NYC’s Saccharine has a Dan Myers (The Strokes, Rival Schools, From Good Homes) produced demo. They’re almost like a retro Goo Goo Dolls. Might have Epic, Artemis, Atlantic at their August 22 NYC Mecury Lounge 9:30PM show (John Gaenzler at jgaenzler@saccharineonline.com).

August 6, 2001

I’ve got money here and I’m ready to offer a 3 song demo deal to an artist that I can really get into. That being said, if you have/know some NEW talent with unrecorded or recorded songs that you think has “it”, please turn them on to me asap. I do things on the fast track, ain’t no politics around here. My email is xendo@aol.com

News and Unsigned/Indie Radio Adds: Toledo, Ohio’s Lollipop Lust Kill has a major label offer, they also showcased recently for Atlantic and Ruffnation. They’re in the vein of Rob Zombie (Greg Caputo at gregaforce@aol.com). Far Too Jones is on WBBB Raleigh NC and WKSI Greensboro NC, 1000 sold (Kirk Thompson at keyroc@mindspring.com). deathgirl.com gets an add at Detroit’s WDRQ (Bruce Lorfel at eternalmgt@aol.com). Universal Canada act Big Sugar has several commercial adds in Canada (Larry Wanagas at lww@bumstead.com). Keeping with the spirit of that 1970’s Bowery sound comes California Bay Area band The Pattern, meetings taken with Virgin, Warner Bros., Interscope. Matt Nathanson (Demo Diaries April 12, 1999) signed to the new Third Rail Publishing (for both acts Jordan Kurland at jordan@zeitgeistmgmt.com). Pomeroy and Mandown both in rotation at KIWR Omaha NE. James (new single, no U.S. deal), My Regrets, The Bears (Adrian Belew’s band) and Seafood (UK) all spinning at WOXY Cincinnati OH.

*Soil gets discovered off Demo Diaries November 27, 2000. By July 30 2001 “Halo” (J Records) is added at 35+ rock stations in markets such as Boston, Denver, San Diego, Dallas, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Orlando, Hartford, Cleveland, Detroit, Miami, Milwaukee, Norfolk, Memphis. Under the same management is Stripping the Pistol whose showcase for a newly interested major is pending (Pete Tsiolis at zoident@aol.com).

I ain’t saying I saw Drowning Pool’s story coming, I’ll be the first to admit that. But I did write on August 14, 2000 quote “Drowning Pool is a 4 piece from Dallas, Texas. Working on 6 song CD. 1 song ‘Tear Away’ demo is circulating. ‘Tear Away’ is scheduled to be added to night rotation at Dallas commerical KEGL. Sounds like Tool, Alice in Chains a bit. 400 to shows. Atlantic, Velvet Hammer, Zomba Publ., Agency Group, Concrete all into it. Show August 25 at Dallas’ Curtain Club. Lawyer is Nick Ferrara. Contact manager Paul Bassman at paul@bassmanagement.com, http://www.drowningpool.com”. Anyway Wind-Up ended up making the commitment. Album dropped June 5, 2001 and went gold in 48 days. And of course Paul’s other band, Flickerstick (Demo Diaries Aug 16, 1999), went to Epic.

Ironically, I posted Michelle Branch the same day as Drowning Pool. She’s breaking out all over as well, especially with NYC’s WHTZ 100.3, the ultimate radio add, and MTV video add.

Also, on April 26, 1999 (without seeing it coming I admit again) I did write “Meanwhile further south, Vacaville, California’s Papa Roach has sold a total of 4000 cds and is currently drawing 450 to shows in Sacramento/San Jose, 250 in San Francisco. Who’s been checking them out? That would be Warner Bros., Interscope and Jive. They’re a bit like Rage Against The Machine, Deftones (Elliot Cahn 510 652 1615, cahnman@aol.com, http://www.paparoach.com)

Demo Diaries A&R, 1999-2006, Part 4

July 17, 2001 Demo Diaries Online Sampler. Download MP3s Below by Each Band.

# Gene “Let Me Move On”

# They’ve been out of their deal with Polydor/A&M for some time now. New full length complete and available for label licensing in U.S. and UK. Some spins at KROQ LA, KCRW LA, WOXY Cincinnati. Contact Jay Schatz at jayschatz@mediaone.net Cave “Ledge”

# Pompano Beach, FL. This is a NEW demo. Contact Ted Bruner at chrscrft336@yahoo.com. Co-managed by Jerry Brenner Group. Lawyer is Joe Sofio. Show at Boston’s Bill’s Bar July 20. Don’t Look Down “On My Own”

# Philadelphia, PA. Contact Carl Porcaro at carl@iguanarecords.com. Manager is now Scott McGhee (Liz Phair). Lawyer is Bob Epstein. NYC showcase at CMS (rehearsal space) July 31 7PM, 515 W. 26th at 10th Ave. Buzz Poets “Facedown”

# Pittsburgh, PA. Draw 800+ people to local shows. Contact lawyer Doug Davis at ddavis@mail2dsl.com VonRa “Inside Out”

# Orlando, FL. Contact Matt Alvers at maalvers@aol.com Mother of Pearl “Borders”

# London, England. Band features Alessandra DeSiati. She’s an MTV Europe DJ. I love her voice, it’s way better than Johnette Napolitano’s (Concrete Blonde). Contact at alessandra.desiati@mtvne.com Intensify “Your Own Disaster”

# Stamford, CT. Show tonight July 17 at New Haven, CT’s Toad’s Place, Contact Mike at intensifymail@aol.com Six Against Seven “Cave In”

# Atlanta, GA. Contact Ricky Harrison at rharrison@interland.net Cooler “Rock Concert ‘83″

# Louisville, KY. Contact cooler@cooler4ever.com SuperVillain “Silhouette”

# Los Angeles, CA. Contact Dave at dragun@earthlink.net. Band features members from Downset. Looking for manager and lawyer. Slack Season “Sellout”

Gainesville/Orlando, FL. NEW demo. Contact John at slacknow@earthlink.net

News: Philly’s The Red King is now with Sony Publishing. NYC shows August 3 at Wetlands, August 23 at Mercury Lounge. New tracks recorded with Louis Scalise (David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Tom Tom Club). LA’s Soul Kid showcases at LA’s Moomba (665 N. Robertson) in LA July 25 10PM. MCA, Lava, Interscope, London-Sire, Extasy scheduled to come out. Demo produced by Nic Jodoin. LA’s eastmountainsouth play a show at Moomba tonight July 17 10PM.

More Unsigned Artists in Regular Rotation at Commercial Radio: Cellarbirds on WZZO Allentown PA. 40 Foot Ringo on WDHA Dover NJ. 19 Wheels on KXNA Fayetteville AK. Chaotica on WEJE Ft. Wayne IN. ATM on WLIR NYC/Long Island and WCPR Biloxi MS. Nina Hynes on WBER Rochester NY. The Kim Band on CFOX Vancouver, BC?

p.s. Drowning Pool (Wind-Up) has sold well over 150,000 at this point.

July 9, 2001

Unsigned/Indie Acts who were/still are “added” at Commercial Radio:

Cave on WEDG Buffalo, WXDX Pittsburgh, WFNX Boston and others. The Juliana Theory (just signed with Epic though) and Buzz Poets on WXDX. Jesus Gun on WJBX Ft. Myers, FL. Cary Pierce on KKMR Dallas, KAMX Austin, WTMX Chicago. Spys4Darwin on KNDD Seattle. Gravel Pit on WFNX.

News: Michelle Branch (D Diaries 8/14/00). She went to the Maverick label. She’s on a lot of radio stations now with single “Everywhere”: WPLJ NYC, WLIR NYC/Long Island, KLLC San Fran., WBMX Boston, WTMX Chicago. Total of maybe 80 stations last I heard, 11 of them Top 40. CD drops 8/14/01. Why doesn’t Geffen get Cold’s “It’s All Good” added? And Dreamworks get Lifehouse’s “Everything” added? These songs are closer to evoking emotion. ASCAP Showcase July 10 at NYC’s Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. at Broadway. Eric Durrance to Wind-Up? In the spirit of Blink 182, Sum 41, Jimmy Eat World, New Found Glory etc…Don’t Look Down has completed a CD with indie Iguana Records. Private showcase tomorrow, I think manager Scott McGhee and some A&R exec will be there (email carl@iguanarecords.com). Manchester, England’s Haven is starting to develop thanks to the help of Johnny Marr. Anyway they’re sort of Jayhawks, CSNY, Doves, Gene..melodic and almost unique vocals with some falsetto/vibrato. Sold something like 4000 CDs and singles pretty fast and XFM London has them in rotation. EMI Publishing spends good money on its signings so continue to keep an eye on Revolver (new demos) and Monkey the Fish.

June 26, 2001

Watershed’s “Can’t Be Myself” added to commercial WWCD Columbus, OH (U.S. market 34). 20 spins/week. Possible near future adds at WLUM Milwaukee (market 31) and or WOXY Cincinnati (market 26), contact Ron Severance at rseve14@aol.com. Eric Durrance’s “So Wrong” spinning 30 times/week at Tallahassee’s WXSR (market 162). Bobby Selvaggio produced it, Scott Stapp (Creed) exec producer, contact Jeff Hanson at hansonjhmp@aol.com. VonRa has a new CD on the way (Matt Alvers at maalvers@aol.com). Mars Needs Women has demo circulating. Michael Barbiero mixed first song. On The Bricks concert series August 3 show, contact Nancy Camp at nlcamp@bellsouth.net. Adharma has 3 song demo (done at Upstart Studios in Hoboken NJ), band features Tom Capone (Quicksand). Faceplant appears to have 3:33 and RCA looking into them (Michael Maroney at mjmaroney@earthlink.net). Lo-Ball signed to A&M, booked on Warped Tour. eastmountainsouth has demo circulating. The first song is really haunting and cool. I think Real World, Hit and Run among others are checking them out. Co-produced by Michael Brook (Hugo Vereker at bighelium@aol.com). Supergarage’s “Five Year Rut” added to four commercial stations, three in Ontario, Canada and one in Niagara Falls. They won Yahoo/Ford/BMG song contest (Marty Aitken at maitken@axionet.com).

*My Inquiry of the Week: I’m looking to get in touch with you if you’re a manager who has a big major label modern rock-adult alternative artist/band hitting the road in August, September or early Fall. I’d like to talk with you about filling the support slot with an extremely promising signed artist I have. Please email me at xendo@aol.com

June 18, 2001

Top engineer Dave Dominguez (Staind’s #1 “Break the Cycle”, Papa Roach, Powerman 5000, Orgy, new Guns N’ Roses, Stabbing Westward etc.) is set to produce demos with NYC band Nothing in July. Band’s lawyer is George Stein (Jeff Buckley). Now looking for reputable manager (contact is Noah Levi at thenvox@aol.com).

Emerging: Chicago hardcore band Lungbrush has demos produced by George Langis (Mudvayne, Lucky Boys Confusion). Drew 1054 people to recent show. Heard they have an offer from Victory. Chicago band Premium (cross between Bad Religion and System of a Down) has demos co-produced by Johnny K. Drew 400 to recent show. (for both bands contact Sean Duffy at lastritesmgmt@lycos.com).

Indie Snob Pick: Orlando band Denison Marrs. Quite a nice indie sound, Sunny Day Real Estate meets Material Issue. They’re on playlist for weekend music format at commercial WTKS Orlando (Kyle Gringer at manager@denisonmarrs.com).

What Ever Happened To These Demo Diaries Artists Featured Last Summer? Will Hoge (D Diaries 7/17/00) signing to Atlantic. Headspace (D Diaries 9/25/00) signs to Velvet Hammer/Atlantic. Drowning Pool (D Diaries 8/14/00) is MTV Buzzworthy Video and comes in at #81 on Billboard Album Chart.

And the summer before that? Flickerstick (D Diaries 8/16/99). You see them each week on VH1 series “Bands on the Run”. They scanned 700+ units last week and are in rotation on commercial radio in Oklahoma City, Orlando, Pittsburgh.

June 11, 2001

Mudcat Jones’ new song “Automatic” is a good one. Melodic like Tonic, Lit, Vertical Horizon (Alan Stewart at sgmanagement@aol.com, mudcatjones.com). Suzanne Wyllie’s new demo is another nice one to listen to. She’s still like Melissa Etheridge meets Paula Cole. LA showcase at The Mint June 13 7PM. She might get offer soon (Dave Margolis at zendali1@aol.com, suzannewyllie.com). I heard Scotland group Suburbia is being flown to LA by Capitol to showcase June 14 at Viper Room. Interscope, RCA, V2, EMI Publishing expected to see them as well. A little bit of an accent in the vocals, maybe some chord progressions like Doves. Not like Travis, more pop rock than that. Despite comparisons to Radiohead, I don’t think so (Steve Gault at steve_gault@hotmail.com, suburbiamusic.com). Austin’s Next Big Something has a demo out and about. That song “Everything Little Thing” is hooky in a Goo Goo Dolls “Iris” kind of way. ASCAP show in NYC at Cutting Room July 10 (Aimee Berger at muslwyr2b@aol.com). Atlanta’s Six Against Seven is starting out. No singles yet but I’d keep an eye on them over next 12 months. Kind of like Edwin McCain meets Lifehouse or Dishwalla (Ricky Harrison at rharrison@interland.net). Melodine’s “Petered Out” is still a good one. Sort of Replacements meet Son Volt. J, Columbia, Epic, MCA, RCA, Hollywood, Maverick, Beyond, Immergent, Ultimatum, Peer Music all have it. Show at Cole Stages June 12 7:45PM (Ben McClane at bcmclane@aol.com, melodine.net). Kelli Ali (formerly of Sneaker Pimps) is moving in on a U.S. deal apparently (talks with J and Interscope?). That girl’s voice is precious, reaks of sex appeal. Who cares about the songs, sign up the voice I say. But the songs will come to as Rick Nowels (Madonna, Dido, New Radicals, Texas, Melanie C, Sonique) is involved.

Demo Diaries A&R, 1999-2006, Part 3

March 19, 2001

And hell, even more Demo Diaries Artists Signed: Soil (D Diaries 11/27/00) signed to J Records. Settie (D Diaries 3/23/98) is signed to the new 33rd Street/Tower Records label. 40 Below Summer (D Diaries 11/2/00) signed to London-Sire.

Don’t make me name which ones, but number of Artists signed to real major labels in last 3 months because of me: 3

March 7, 2001

More Demo Diaries Artists Signed: John Lardieri (Demo Diaries 9/19/00) signed to London-Sire. He’s looking for a reputable manager right now and will seek publishing soon. See him play in NYC at CB’s Gallery March 22 and Lion’s Den March 30 (call him at 646 591 4465). Samhill (Demo Diaries 10/25/99) signing to Epic. And I never mentioned that Laura Dawn (formerly Laura Galpin Demo Diaries 3/29/99) and Tommy Walter (formerly Tely Demo Diaries 7/12/99) are both on Extasy/Warner Bros. Slack Season just got another add at WPLA Jacksonville, FL. C60 has “Hit” added at WFNX Boston and WGIR Manchester, NH (Hugo Burnham at dgsblx@aol.com).

March 5, 2001

Los Angeles Scene: Benny Cassette sounds like Beck meets Eminem meets early 80s NYC rap. Arista and Clockwork are on it and more meetings last week with Interscope and Maverick (Todd Rubenstein at trubenstein@smmmusiclaw.com, http://www.bennycassette.com). Venice band Suckerpump (http://www.suckerpump.com) has the rocktronica thing going on, crunchy Rob Zombie like guitars. UK feel to it though. Hollywood band Glitch surfacing as well (for both John Reese at Freeze Management, jreese3067@aol.com).

News: Atlanta band Film has been plugging away for a couple of years. Rick Beato produced EP out this March (the song “Q” produced by Don McCollister). They’re featured on Bombtrax Insite Compilation. A couple of major labels checking on them, reportedly will showcase for one. Singer from Australia, keyboardist from Scotland. You’ll hear Verve, INXS melodies in there. No manager (lawyer Greg Brooks at gwb@srfllp.com, http://www.planetfilm.com). Among Thieves at NYC’s CBGB 3/6 9:30PM. Said to have showcased for Reprise last week. Song “My Mistake” in Peter Fonda movie “Wooly Boys” (Alan Robert at arobert@mediajelly.com). Schatzi at Austin’s Metro 3/15 10PM.

Unsigned at Commerical Radio: “Sideways” by The Sheila Divine gets added at Boston’s WFNX and Buffalo’s WEDG. Will Hoge gets adds at Birmingham’s WRAX and Philadelphia’s WXPN/World Cafe. Past adds include Nashville’s WRLT and Memphis’ WMPS.

February 27, 2001

The Juliana Theory is a 5 piece from Adamsburg, Pennsylvania. It’s not like you haven’t read about them by now. But the facts are: “Emotion Is Dead” CD (Tooth & Nail) has sold 25,000 and previous release sold 15,000. Said to draw 400+ in NYC, Chicago and LA. June Warped Tour dates. “Understand The Dream is Over” single will probably get a bunch of commercial specialty adds at end of March/April (already on KITS San Francisco and WXDX Pittsburgh). They’re not unlike Third Eye Blind, Lit, Blink 182 at times. Josh Karchmer and Marc Schapiro at nuclearfamilyent@aol.com, managers.

Outspoken is a 5 piece from Louisville, Kentucky. In vein of Alice In Chains, Cold, Godsmack. Melodic. 3 song demo. I hear Elektra, Republic are checking them out. “Revolving” might be added to Louisville commercial WTFX soon. Producer Pete Matthews (Dust For Life) is talking to them now. NYC shows at Arlene Grocery April 10 7:30PM and CBGB April 14 9PM. Fred Davis is lawyer. Scott Frazier at 502 896 6250, managemusiq@aol.com or Diane Ernest/Dean Cramer (Ernest Entertainment) at 212 333 8253, managers.

Shows: Lucky Town in NYC at Arlene Grocery March 6 8PM. New demos mixed by Mitch Easter (Bob McNaughton at hazemgt@email.msn.com, http://www.lucky-town.com). Atrixo at LA’s Whisky A Go-Go March 1 9:30PM, Columbia and Dreamworks scheduled to attend.

February 21, 2001

Commercial station WTKS Orlando, FL (market 41) has a weekend music format. Three unsigned/indie acts are on the playlist now: Slack Season’s “Highway Firecracker”, Ashtray Babyhead’s “Mir” and The Chase Theory’s “Chandelier”.

Songs/Records: Gabriel Gordon’s new demo “Magnetism” is nice (2/27 at LA’s Dragonfly, 3/2 at NYC’s Arlene Grocery). DNA Doll’s “Paradise Sold” (produced by Andy Gill) has a nice ethereal, melodic quality about it. Dashboard Confessional’s “Swiss Army Romance” song is cool. Howie Day’s new CD is at 5500 in sales, playing sold out shows in various markets, add at WXPN (NYC show coming in March). The Sheila Divine’s new CD is good. Has a UK 80s thing about it at times. Radio adds scheduled. Minus now has two offers. New demos (manager Josh Karchmer at nuclearfamilyent@aol.com). The Jealous Sound (D Diaries Jan 10, 2000) signed to Mojo.

February 16, 2001

Stonevelvet is a 5 piece from Columbus, Ohio. Very melodic pop rock. 19 year old Tiffany Evans vaguely sounds like Gwen Stefani at times but with a strong, convincing vibrato. 300+ draw to live shows. Music just began circulating. I hear RCA and EMI Publishing are looking into them (manager Ariel Bender at 954 566 4423, lawyer Joe Brenner at jbrenner@gispc.com, Oren at info@stonevelvet.com, http://www.stonevelvet.com).

February 15, 2001

Micah Green is from NYC. 11 song CD produced by Duncan Sheik. I like “Friends in High Places”, “Family Circus” and “Hollywood”. In vein of Elliot Smith, Weezer, Duncan Sheik. Subtle, melodic, indie-esque at times. Support from LA’s KCRW (Micah at office@dirtymedia.com or David Leinheardt at dlmanagement@earthlink.net, http://www.micahgreen.com)

February 13, 2001

Las Vegas band Slow To Surface has new 3 song demo done with engineer/producer Dave Dominguez (Papa Roach, Staind, Powerman 5000). Not unlike progressive bands such as Tool but with melodic emo style. Columbia, Maverick, Beyond, Island attended recent showcase (Pat Ellis at babedes@aol.com, http://www.slowtosurface.com, demo at site).

Atlanta’s Travisty Theory is lead by 19 year old Travis Harvey. 3 song demo produced by Owsley and Peter Bunetta, mixed by Tom Lord-Alge. At times sounds suspiciously like music from the Bowery in NYC late 70s hidden behind modern rock production. What do I know. They have publishing offer. SXSW ASCAP Showcase March 16 at The Drink (Lanny West at jweinc@bellsouth.net, http://www.travistytheory.com).

Status of the Signed: Coldplay at 200,000 in U.S. sales, Nelly Furtado at 200,000 in U.S. sales.

February 8, 2001

Unsigned/Indie on commercial radio: Wayne has their song “Letterbox” added to WRAX Birmingham AL, 20 spins/week (Simon Horrocks at simon@allianceartists.com, http://www.waynemusic.com). Keen will reportedly have their song “281″ added to KRZQ Reno NV next week (Kelly Kollar at allicat@aci.net, http://www.keenmusic.com). Slack Season getting 11 spins/week with “Highway Firecracker” at WRUF Gainesville FL (Ray Powell at pproductions99@hotmail.com). Aunt Flossie’s “For You For Me” continues to spin in regular rotation at KLBJ Austin TX, also reported add at WNOR Norfolk VA (Ray Maiello at ray@moontowermusic.com, http://www.aunt-flossie.com). Arson Welles has their song “Easy On Me” in regular rotation at WOXY Cincinnati/Oxford OH (http://www.arsonwelles.com).

February 4, 2001

The music industry is a big piece of sh-t. Anyway…..

Buddahead is decent. Fronted by London guy Raman Kia. Some of the songs were done with Bill Appleberry and Toby Miller (Colony, Adema). After maybe 4-5 listens “When I Fall” became my favorite with the soaring string section at the close. Then I like “Chains”. But if you want more American sounds try “Cruel”. Other than that song it’s all very UK. I heard Arista, American, J, Capitol, Dreamworks were checking them out. They’re with Rondor Publishing. Ron Moss can get you a copy, ron.moss@umusic.com

I like this band Brown out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Raw demos, unpolished style fits this act featuring Reed Mullin (COC) and John Custer. They have “Jennifer” (which I haven’t heard) spinning 12-15 times/week on commercial WBBB (market 48). I like the song “Satellite”. They’re sound is Axl Rose, David Bowie, Dinosaur Jr., Soundgarden. Contact the email info@brownrocks.com to get in touch, http://www.brownrocks.com

Errortype:11 is surfacing again. Reportedly being checked out by Capitol, Arista, RCA, American. NYC Mercury Lounge show February 28. Jon Keidan at keidan@earthlink.net

Tabloid Nation has an offer from Blackbird/Atlantic. Several other labels remain interested. Atlantic exec(s) supposed to be at NYC Brownies show February 8 10PM.

Ruby Amanfu in discussions with Polydor UK.

Stage (D Diaries Oct 17, 2000) is signed to Maverick.

Hey can someone help me get this demo by LA based band Stendec (the dudes are from Gordon, Local H, Dig, White Zombie). Email me thanks.

I sat here all day listening to Creeper Lagoon’s “Wrecking Ball”. Most of my other days I listen to Coldplay, U2, Richard Ashcroft or Matthew Good over and over and over……

January 23, 2001

News/Update:

Detroit band Rev (in vein of Lit, Face to Face, Marvelous 3, Bad Religion) now has their song “So Long” spinning 11-14 times/week evenings at Detroit commercial WRIF. Talking to producer Josh Abraham (Crazy Town, Staind, Limp Bizkit, Orgy) about production deal. Have showcased for Dreamworks, Atlantic, Elektra. Lawyer is Barry Mallen. Manager is Rick Smith (Days of The New). Download 3 demos at http://www.revrock.com. Contact band member Charlie Grover (formerly of Sponge) at hcharlieg2@aol.com or 248 543 1517. NYC’s Celldweller is back with 3 new demos: “Switchback”, “Afraid This Time”, “So Sorry To Say”. Still like Depeche Mode, Tool, NIN, Vast. Really impressive material. Download by clicking/right clicking at http://www.celldweller.com/gary.html (contact Tyler Bacon at tfbacon@baconsoundtracks.com). Cleavage doing demos with Arista. Skinny Bone Jones has an offer from Nu America/Arista (Babyface’s label). Six Clips in negotiations with Sony Publishing. Slack Season plays in LA at Gig/Melrose 1/25 8:30PM. Will reportedly get add at Gainesville, FL commercial WRUF. Monique Mosee is now at 23,000 in sales with her indie CD.

January 16, 2001

Schatzi is 4 piece from Austin, Texas. “Death of the Alphabet” is getting 12-14 spins/week on commercial KROX. 8 song indie EP. They’re sort of like Sunny Day Real Estate, Weezer, Lit, Nirvana at times. Local live draw is now up to 400 people. Offer from Restart Records, the label formed by At the Drive In. On CMJ March Sampler. They have a lawyer. Contact manager George Couri at 512 479 7030 georgecouri@coreartist.com, http://www.schatzi.net

Gabriel Gordon is from NYC. He plays guitar for Natalie Merchant. “Angelika” and “News for You” are the good ones on “Frequency” CD. MCA, Interscope, Capitol, Virgin, RCA, Reprise, Epic, Columbia scheduled to attend LA’s Mint show January 24. He’s not unlike Jeffrey Gaines, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Harper. Live draw can be over 100. He has a lawyer. Contact manager Chad Jensen at 805 569 2538, allclear@gte.net, http://www.gabrielgordon.com

The Blank Theory is a 4 piece from Chicago. Not unlike Incubus, Deftones, Tool. New songs to be sent out this week. February 2 show at Metro. Among those that are scheduled to attend are Dreamworks, Columbia, V2. Local draw is over 500. They have a lawyer. Contact manager Andy Georgin at 773 294 7365, andy@kmamanagement.com, http://www.blanktheory.com

More News: Chicago R&B group 3pc. seems to be doing very well. “Don’t Miss A Good Thang” is a good one off their 7 song sampler. Last I heard it was spinning 5 times/week at Chicago commercial WGCI. In vein of acts like R. Kelly, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, Brian McKnight. 800+ to live shows, single “U 4 Me” soundscanned 17,000. Elektra, Atlantic, RCA are/were tuned in (Maurice Jefferson at 773 582 9980, m312corp@aol.com). Richmond, California’s Unjust have reportedly been checked out by Capitol, Atlantic, Columbia, American, Immortal, Giant, Maverick, Jive (contact Eric at unjust@pacbell.net, http://www.unjust.com ). NYC’s Further play at NYC’s CBGB 1/16 8:30PM. Did new demos with Epic. Taped show for Farmclub (contact Joshua at furthermusic@hotmail.com, http://www.furthermusic.com). Chicago’s Soil will showcase 1/21 at Chicago’s Metro.

Demo Diaries A&R 1999-2006, Part 2

November 8, 2000

Cornbread is a 4 piece from Columbus, Georgia. 3 song demo CD. 2 songs produced by Shawn Mullins and 1 by David Ryan Harris (of TMC/Elektra act Brand New Immortals). In the vein of Sister Hazel, Shawn Mullins, Edwin McCain. “Mona Lisa’s Smile” has been added to regular rotation at Columbus commercial WCGQ. 5000+ in career sales. Draw 300 to local club shows. Being considered for soundtrack to the new Jerry Bruckheimer film “Black Hawk Down”. Tuned in are Arista, Capitol, London-Sire, Tommy Boy, Melisma, Columbia, Russell Carter Management, Greenberg-Traurig Law, Ken Block (Sister Hazel), WHHY-FM Montgomery AL. No lawyer or manager yet. Show 12/8 at Columbus’ The Loft. Contact Keni Thomas at 706 324 3723, kenicb@aol.com, http://www.cornbreadmusic.com

Update: The unsigned Monique Mosee is now on Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, 84 on R&B Chart, total sales of 8024. I hear she has a meeting with a major label head in coming days. (Charles King at ckmanagement@aol.com, Kyle Smith at kmsagency@aol.com). Nashville’s Fair Verona is playing in LA right now as I’m typing. Recent 2 song demo (almost like Veruca Salt meets Liz Phair).They have yet to complete recording new songs with Eddie Kramer. Up to 200 draw at local shows, approaching 1000 in career sales. Looking for manager (Sean Brennen at sbrennen@ivrecords.com or Chris Parker at cparker@ivrecords.com). Former Aware act 19 Wheels have a new Donny Brown (Verve Pipe drummer) produced CD out. Their song “Broken” has been added to commercials WGRD Grand Rapids, Michigan (heavy spins) and KBRS Fayetteville, Arkansas (Chris Johnston at info@19wheels.com). Motor plays at LA’s Cafe Largo ASCAP show 11/14 8PM.

November 2, 2000

Monique Mosee (accent on last e) is from Philadelphia. Age 23. “Girl Like Me” CD through indie company KNR Entertainment. Soundscan is at about 5755 units. She’s a little like Toni Braxton, Pink, Aaliyah. Check BDS for “Girl Like Me” (song title) spins at commercials WAMO Pittsburgh, WPHI Philadelphia, WJMN Boston, KJMM Tulsa, WDZZ Flint MI, WJBT Jacksonville FL, WQOK Raleigh NC. In addition to writing her own material she has paired up with producers Rick Starr (Brandy), Kenny Taylor (Babyface, K-Ci and JoJo). Charting in Billboard. Universal (among others I don’t doubt) is tuned in. See her at Philadelphia’s Club Pegasus 11/6. Manager is Charles King. Lawyer is Robert Roundtree. Call Roy Azem 650 631 7556 or Kyle Smith 419 443 8787, http://www.knrent.com

40 Below Summer is a 5 piece from NYC/New Jersey. Their song “Falling Down” hooks me, it’s ferocious hardcore but not without the melodic sensibility of bands like Incubus or Cold. Label interest. Show at NYC’s Lion’s Den 12/6. Lawyer is Peter Shukat/Jonas Herbsman. Contact Lillian Loving at farbiseneh@aol.com, http://www.40belowsummer.com

News: California signs to Trauma, searching for publishing deal (John Greenberg at jcgreenpad@aol.com). The Clarks (Razor & Tie label) are ready to sign a publishing deal, one offer in. Offer to have a song featured in Warner Bros. movie/soundtrack and early discussions of placing “Chasin’ Girls” as theme song to television show,120,000+ in career sales (Rishon Blumberg at rishon@brickwallmgmt.com). Minus has an offer, playing Atlanta BMI show 11/9 at Dark Horse, beginning to search for publishing/management (Lee Beitchman at leebeebee@aol.com). Ram Squad is off Universal and will be releasing through RuffLife/Warner Bros. “Ballers” single is charting. Their song “Sex Sex Money Money” is on the “Bait” movie soundtrack. Searching for booking agent now (Bernard Resnick bmresnick@aol.com). I hear Erica Harwood (of London act Harwood) is scheduled to meet with Maverick and MCA while in Los Angeles over next five days. Her song “Bullet” is a nice one, it’s sultry and melodic, reminds me of Garbage (Tony Hughes at 44 7785 30 1138, tony@ericaharwood.freeserve.co.uk, http://www.ericaharwood.freeserve.co.uk). Sweden’s Grass Show coming in to NYC next week to showcase at Brownies 11/8 7PM. Minneapolis hardcore act 2 Ton Crutch drew 800 to recent show at First Avenue venue, 2000 in sales (Ken Abdo at kabdo@abdoabdo.com, http://www.2toncrutch.com).

November 27, 2000

Celldweller is from New York City. This act is currently a studio project fronted by Klayton. 3 song demo CD mixed by Grant Mohrman (Filter, Republica). I love the song “Under My Feet”, “Stay With Me” is shaping up to be a good one also. Sound is like Tool, A Perfect Circle, NIN, Depeche Mode. Klayton’s previous band sold almost 40,000 records as an indie. Said to have 500 person street team due to his past success. No lawyer yet. Manager is Tyler Bacon (he originally signed Sixpence None the Richer and Fleming & John to indie label REX). Willing to explore co-management with bigger company. Tyler is at 310 820 4734, tfbacon@baconsoundtracks.com, http://www.celldweller.com

Soil is a 5 piece from Chicago. 3 song demo CD produced by Johnny K. (Disturbed, Caviar). “Halo” and “My Own” are good ones. In vein of Godsmack, Soundgarden. Tight, melodic with big ass, gritty vocals that hit you in the chest. Draw of 450 folks to recent show at Chicago’s Metro. Lawyer is Peter Tsiolis. No manager. Contact Shaun Glass at 847 253 1337, sglass666@aol.com, http://www.soilmusic.com (MP3s at site).

News/Projections: Rearview Mirror should be signing with Gobstopper/Palm Pictures (label discovered them in Demo Diaries August 14, 2000). Drowning Pool (D Diaries 8/14/00) signed to Wind-Up (Creed’s label). Pressure 4-5 (D Diaries 10/11/00) signed to Dreamworks. Injected (D Diaries 11/8/99) signed to Island/Def Jam. The Wine Field (D Diaries 5/4/98) is close to signing with Priority. Color (D Diaries 10/25/99) is on Melisma. Dublin act Bloom (D Diaries 8/29/00) is starting to pick up more interest including Independiente, EMI Publishing UK.

More Demo Diaries Artists Signed: John Lardieri (Demo Diaries 9/19/00) signed to London/Sire. He’s looking for a reputable manager right now and will seek publishing soon. See him play in NYC at CB’s Gallery March 22 and Lion’s Den March 30 (call him at 646 591 4465). Samhill (Demo Diaries 10/25/99) signing to Epic. And I never mentioned that Laura Dawn (formerly Laura Galpin Demo Diaries 3/29/99) and Tommy Walter (formerly Tely Demo Diaries 7/12/99) are both on Extasy/Warner Bros.

Slack Season just got another add at WPLA Jacksonville, FL. C60 has “Hit” added at WFNX Boston and WGIR Manchester, NH (Hugo Burnham at dgsblx@aol.com).

March 5, 2001

Los Angeles Scene: Benny Cassette sounds like Beck meets Eminem meets early 80s NYC rap. Arista and Clockwork are on it and more meetings last week with Interscope and Maverick (Todd Rubenstein at trubenstein@smmmusiclaw.com, http://www.bennycassette.com). Venice band Suckerpump (http://www.suckerpump.com) has the rocktronica thing going on, crunchy Rob Zombie like guitars. UK feel to it though. Hollywood band Glitch surfacing as well (for both John Reese at Freeze Management, jreese3067@aol.com).

News: Atlanta band Film has been plugging away for a couple of years. Rick Beato produced EP out this March (the song “Q” produced by Don McCollister). They’re featured on Bombtrax Insite Compilation. A couple of major labels checking on them, reportedly will showcase for one. Singer from Australia, keyboardist from Scotland. You’ll hear Verve, INXS melodies in there. No manager (lawyer Greg Brooks at gwb@srfllp.com, http://www.planetfilm.com). Among Thieves at NYC’s CBGB 3/6 9:30PM. Said to have showcased for Reprise last week. Song “My Mistake” in Peter Fonda movie “Wooly Boys” (Alan Robert at arobert@mediajelly.com). Schatzi at Austin’s Metro 3/15 10PM.

Unsigned at Commerical Radio: “Sideways” by The Sheila Divine gets added at Boston’s WFNX and Buffalo’s WEDG. Will Hoge gets adds at Birmingham’s WRAX and Philadelphia’s WXPN/World Cafe. Past adds include Nashville’s WRLT and Memphis’ WMPS.

February 27, 2001

The Juliana Theory is a 5 piece from Adamsburg, Pennsylvania. It’s not like you haven’t read about them by now. But the facts are: “Emotion Is Dead” CD (Tooth & Nail) has sold 25,000 and previous release sold 15,000. Said to draw 400+ in NYC, Chicago and LA. June Warped Tour dates. “Understand The Dream is Over” single will probably get a bunch of commercial specialty adds at end of March/April (already on KITS San Francisco and WXDX Pittsburgh). They’re not unlike Third Eye Blind, Lit, Blink 182 at times. Josh Karchmer and Marc Schapiro at nuclearfamilyent@aol.com, managers.

Outspoken is a 5 piece from Louisville, Kentucky. In vein of Alice In Chains, Cold, Godsmack. Melodic. 3 song demo. I hear Elektra, Republic are checking them out. “Revolving” might be added to Louisville commercial WTFX soon. Producer Pete Matthews (Dust For Life) is talking to them now. NYC shows at Arlene Grocery April 10 7:30PM and CBGB April 14 9PM. Fred Davis is lawyer. Scott Frazier at 502 896 6250, managemusiq@aol.com or Diane Ernest/Dean Cramer (Ernest Entertainment) at 212 333 8253, managers.

Shows: Lucky Town in NYC at Arlene Grocery March 6 8PM. New demos mixed by Mitch Easter (Bob McNaughton at hazemgt@email.msn.com, http://www.lucky-town.com). Atrixo at LA’s Whisky A Go-Go March 1 9:30PM, Columbia and Dreamworks scheduled to attend.

February 21, 2001

Commercial station WTKS Orlando, FL (market 41) has a weekend music format. Three unsigned/indie acts are on the playlist now: Slack Season’s “Highway Firecracker”, Ashtray Babyhead’s “Mir” and The Chase Theory’s “Chandelier”.

Songs/Records: Gabriel Gordon’s new demo “Magnetism” is nice (2/27 at LA’s Dragonfly, 3/2 at NYC’s Arlene Grocery). DNA Doll’s “Paradise Sold” (produced by Andy Gill) has a nice ethereal, melodic quality about it. Dashboard Confessional’s “Swiss Army Romance” song is cool. Howie Day’s new CD is at 5500 in sales, playing sold out shows in various markets, add at WXPN (NYC show coming in March). The Sheila Divine’s new CD is good. Has a UK 80s thing about it at times. Radio adds scheduled. Minus now has two offers. New demos (manager Josh Karchmer at nuclearfamilyent@aol.com). The Jealous Sound (D Diaries Jan 10, 2000) signed to Mojo.

February 16, 2001

Stonevelvet is a 5 piece from Columbus, Ohio. Very melodic pop rock. 19 year old Tiffany Evans vaguely sounds like Gwen Stefani at times but with a strong, convincing vibrato. 300+ draw to live shows. Music just began circulating. I hear RCA and EMI Publishing are looking into them (manager Ariel Bender at 954 566 4423, lawyer Joe Brenner at jbrenner@gispc.com, Oren at info@stonevelvet.com, http://www.stonevelvet.com).

February 15, 2001

Micah Green is from NYC. 11 song CD produced by Duncan Sheik. I like “Friends in High Places”, “Family Circus” and “Hollywood”. In vein of Elliot Smith, Weezer, Duncan Sheik. Subtle, melodic, indie-esque at times. Support from LA’s KCRW (Micah at office@dirtymedia.com or David Leinheardt at dlmanagement@earthlink.net, http://www.micahgreen.com)

February 13, 2001

Las Vegas band Slow To Surface has new 3 song demo done with engineer/producer Dave Dominguez (Papa Roach, Staind, Powerman 5000). Not unlike progressive bands such as Tool but with melodic emo style. Columbia, Maverick, Beyond, Island attended recent showcase (Pat Ellis at babedes@aol.com, http://www.slowtosurface.com, demo at site).

Atlanta’s Travisty Theory is lead by 19 year old Travis Harvey. 3 song demo produced by Owsley and Peter Bunetta, mixed by Tom Lord-Alge. At times sounds suspiciously like music from the Bowery in NYC late 70s hidden behind modern rock production. What do I know. They have publishing offer. SXSW ASCAP Showcase March 16 at The Drink (Lanny West at jweinc@bellsouth.net, http://www.travistytheory.com).

Status of the Signed: Coldplay at 200,000 in U.S. sales, Nelly Furtado at 200,000 in U.S. sales.

February 8, 2001

Unsigned/Indie on commercial radio: Wayne has their song “Letterbox” added to WRAX Birmingham AL, 20 spins/week (Simon Horrocks at simon@allianceartists.com, http://www.waynemusic.com). Keen will reportedly have their song “281″ added to KRZQ Reno NV next week (Kelly Kollar at allicat@aci.net, http://www.keenmusic.com). Slack Season getting 11 spins/week with “Highway Firecracker” at WRUF Gainesville FL (Ray Powell at pproductions99@hotmail.com). Aunt Flossie’s “For You For Me” continues to spin in regular rotation at KLBJ Austin TX, also reported add at WNOR Norfolk VA (Ray Maiello at ray@moontowermusic.com, http://www.aunt-flossie.com). Arson Welles has their song “Easy On Me” in regular rotation at WOXY Cincinnati/Oxford OH (http://www.arsonwelles.com).

February 4, 2001

The music industry is a big piece of sh-t. Anyway…..

Buddahead is decent. Fronted by London guy Raman Kia. Some of the songs were done with Bill Appleberry and Toby Miller (Colony, Adema). After maybe 4-5 listens “When I Fall” became my favorite with the soaring string section at the close. Then I like “Chains”. But if you want more American sounds try “Cruel”. Other than that song it’s all very UK. I heard Arista, American, J, Capitol, Dreamworks were checking them out. They’re with Rondor Publishing. Ron Moss can get you a copy, ron.moss@umusic.com

I like this band Brown out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Raw demos, unpolished style fits this act featuring Reed Mullin (COC) and John Custer. They have “Jennifer” (which I haven’t heard) spinning 12-15 times/week on commercial WBBB (market 48). I like the song “Satellite”. They’re sound is Axl Rose, David Bowie, Dinosaur Jr., Soundgarden. Contact the email info@brownrocks.com to get in touch, http://www.brownrocks.com

Errortype:11 is surfacing again. Reportedly being checked out by Capitol, Arista, RCA, American. NYC Mercury Lounge show February 28. Jon Keidan at keidan@earthlink.net

Tabloid Nation has an offer from Blackbird/Atlantic. Several other labels remain interested. Atlantic exec(s) supposed to be at NYC Brownies show February 8 10PM.

Ruby Amanfu in discussions with Polydor UK.

Stage (D Diaries Oct 17, 2000) is signed to Maverick.

Hey can someone help me get this demo by LA based band Stendec (the dudes are from Gordon, Local H, Dig, White Zombie). Email me thanks.

I sat here all day listening to Creeper Lagoon’s “Wrecking Ball”. Most of my other days I listen to Coldplay, U2, Richard Ashcroft or Matthew Good over and over and over……

January 23, 2001

News/Update:

Detroit band Rev (in vein of Lit, Face to Face, Marvelous 3, Bad Religion) now has their song “So Long” spinning 11-14 times/week evenings at Detroit commercial WRIF. Talking to producer Josh Abraham (Crazy Town, Staind, Limp Bizkit, Orgy) about production deal. Have showcased for Dreamworks, Atlantic, Elektra. Lawyer is Barry Mallen. Manager is Rick Smith (Days of The New). Download 3 demos at http://www.revrock.com. Contact band member Charlie Grover (formerly of Sponge) at hcharlieg2@aol.com or 248 543 1517. NYC’s Celldweller is back with 3 new demos: “Switchback”, “Afraid This Time”, “So Sorry To Say”. Still like Depeche Mode, Tool, NIN, Vast. Really impressive material. Download by clicking/right clicking at http://www.celldweller.com/gary.html (contact Tyler Bacon at tfbacon@baconsoundtracks.com). Cleavage doing demos with Arista. Skinny Bone Jones has an offer from Nu America/Arista (Babyface’s label). Six Clips in negotiations with Sony Publishing. Slack Season plays in LA at Gig/Melrose 1/25 8:30PM. Will reportedly get add at Gainesville, FL commercial WRUF. Monique Mosee is now at 23,000 in sales with her indie CD.

January 16, 2001

Schatzi is 4 piece from Austin, Texas. “Death of the Alphabet” is getting 12-14 spins/week on commercial KROX. 8 song indie EP. They’re sort of like Sunny Day Real Estate, Weezer, Lit, Nirvana at times. Local live draw is now up to 400 people. Offer from Restart Records, the label formed by At the Drive In. On CMJ March Sampler. They have a lawyer. Contact manager George Couri at 512 479 7030 georgecouri@coreartist.com, http://www.schatzi.net

Gabriel Gordon is from NYC. He plays guitar for Natalie Merchant. “Angelika” and “News for You” are the good ones on “Frequency” CD. MCA, Interscope, Capitol, Virgin, RCA, Reprise, Epic, Columbia scheduled to attend LA’s Mint show January 24. He’s not unlike Jeffrey Gaines, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Harper. Live draw can be over 100. He has a lawyer. Contact manager Chad Jensen at 805 569 2538, allclear@gte.net, http://www.gabrielgordon.com

The Blank Theory is a 4 piece from Chicago. Not unlike Incubus, Deftones, Tool. New songs to be sent out this week. February 2 show at Metro. Among those that are scheduled to attend are Dreamworks, Columbia, V2. Local draw is over 500. They have a lawyer. Contact manager Andy Georgin at 773 294 7365, andy@kmamanagement.com, http://www.blanktheory.com

More News: Chicago R&B group 3pc. seems to be doing very well. “Don’t Miss A Good Thang” is a good one off their 7 song sampler. Last I heard it was spinning 5 times/week at Chicago commercial WGCI. In vein of acts like R. Kelly, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, Brian McKnight. 800+ to live shows, single “U 4 Me” soundscanned 17,000. Elektra, Atlantic, RCA are/were tuned in (Maurice Jefferson at 773 582 9980, m312corp@aol.com). Richmond, California’s Unjust have reportedly been checked out by Capitol, Atlantic, Columbia, American, Immortal, Giant, Maverick, Jive (contact Eric at unjust@pacbell.net, http://www.unjust.com ). NYC’s Further play at NYC’s CBGB 1/16 8:30PM. Did new demos with Epic. Taped show for Farmclub (contact Joshua at furthermusic@hotmail.com, http://www.furthermusic.com). Chicago’s Soil will showcase 1/21 at Chicago’s Metro.

December 6, 2000

Cool songs that are circulating in the major label community…..

“Are You Satisfied” by Richmond, Virginia’s Mudcat Jones. Off 6 song demo. They’ve recorded with Jeff Juliano (Dave Matthews, Sev, Agents of Good Roots) and Paul Hager (Caviar, Tracy Bonham, Shawn Mullins). Song reminds me of Lit, Tonic. Band has 4000 in career sales. Up to 100 draw at east coast shows. Seen at NYC Brownies show a couple of nights ago were Universal, Columbia, Epic, Razor & Tie and some big lawyers. No lawyer yet. Manager Alan Stewart at sgmanagement@aol.com, http://www.mudcatjones.com

“Well” by Los Angeles act Amory. Off 3 song demo. Song is sort of Train meets Everclear. Lava offered them a demo deal at one point. Band has also recorded with Tony Berg as producer. Lawyer is Carolyn Javier. Shawn Edgar at 213 280 4533, http://www.amoryband.com

“Feel It” or “Victim #1″ by Chicago’s Pivot Man. Sounds like Rob Zombie, Ministry but poppier. Singer Matt Mercado used to be in Mind Bomb (formerly signed to Mercury). Labels tuned in include Maverick, Atlantic, Divine, Hollywood. New song “Beautiful Splinters” scheduled to be in the Henry Thomas (actor in E.T.) directed movie “Poison”. Chicago show at Metro January 5. Lawyer is Jeffrey Light. Manager Sean Duffy at lastritesmgmt@lycos.com, http://www.pivotman.com

News: St. Louis act Just Add Water (almost like Marvelous 3, Stroke 9) had/has their song “Holiday” spinning around 20 times/week at commercial KNSX (Daniel Friedman at danieldrf@aol.com, http://www.justaddwaternow.com). Headspace is now with Velvet Hammer Management (Taproot, System Of A Down). Atrixo at Chicago’s Hard Rock Cafe 12/29 10PM. Bleu at NYC’s Mercury Lounge 12/13 7:30PM.

Demo Diaries A&R 1999-2006, Part 1

You’ve found Demo Diaries A&R 1999-2006. These are archives posted in blog format.

May 08, 1999

# Sandra Pires
Among the LA showcases this week is Sandra Pires. Perhaps the next Top 40 diva by way of Austria, her BMG release there sold 25,000 units and now she wants to step it up and move over to the U.S. market. You can get a 4 song demo CD in addition to her electronic press kit-her best song seems to be “I’ll Be Your Friend” which can be found on the video. This track was playing when I walked into Boston Chicken last Tuesday so I guess eateries have the hippest samplers on the market now. Did I mention that Sandra has no lawyer yet and that Epic, MCA and 143 are onto her? Or perhaps you didn’t know that Diane Warren and David Foster co-wrote a song on Sandra’s full length? Anyway, she is doing two sets at S.I.R. Studios in LA April 28, so go hear her 7 octive voice. http://www.sandrapires.com

# Silkenseed
And what’s up with Portland pop rock band Silkenseed? Well, just about everyone and their mother has expressed interest in this band. They’ve sold around 2500 of 1998’s “Hurry Home”-you’re looking to hear “Benchwarming”. They can bring out over 200 to Portland shows but right now they’re on their way down to LA to showcase at The Gig April 28 9:15PM and at The Gig/Hollywood April 29 3PM. No lawyer for them yet.
Contact:Marc Margolis 510 420 1776, dublm@aol.com
http://www.silkenseed.com

# Papa Roach
Meanwhile further south, Vacaville, California’s Papa Roach has sold a total of 4000 cds and is currently drawing 450 to shows in Sacramento/San Jose, 250 in San Francisco. Who’s been checking them out? That would be Warner Bros., Interscope and Jive. They’re a bit like Rage Against The Machine, Deftones.
Contact: Elliot Cahn 510 652 1615, cahnman@aol.com
http://www.paparoach.com

# Storm and Her Dirty Mouth
And have you ever listened to San Francisco’s Storm and Her Dirty Mouth. They have this killer song called “I’m Not Alright” off their Thom Wilson produced 1998 EP which sold 1200 copies. I’m betting singer Storm Large is pulling 400 to shows on her charisma alone as she stands 6 feet tall with this massive tattoo on her back that reads “Lover”! Their attorney is Doug Mark who also does Nashville Pussy.
Contact: Leslie Gerard 415 339 1600
http://www.stormandherdirtymouth.com

Let me keep going here…

# The Clarks
What about folk pop rock band The Clarks out of Pittsburgh? Wow! The numbers on these guys are insane. This band has sold a whopping total of over 83,000 records with radio play left and right. Their latest CD “The Clarks Live” has sold over 10,000 alone. Hometown live shows draw as many as 4000 and they can bring out up to 850 in mid-west markets…what does this all mean? Right now I’m listening to this 2 song demo produced by Justin Neibank. Despite what you might think, The Clarks never cut a record on Way Cool/MCA, they just re-released “Someday Maybe”. And of course Way Cool is now defunct. To top it all off, the number of hits to their website is well into the 6 digits.
Contact: Rishon Blumberg 212 501 0748, rishon@brickwallmgmt.com
http://www.clarksonline.com

You didn’t think I was done? No way.

# Wellville
Let me turn you on to Orlando’s Wellville. Their song “Happier Girl” is on your Extravaganza Sampler. Produced my Matchbox 20’s Paul Doucette, it’s a great song even if it does sound very similiar to Sarah McLachlan’s “Building a Mystery”. WKIS Daytona and WMMO and WXXL Orlando all dig the track but none have put it into regular rotation. Singer Liz Larizza used to be in the Beat Me-Ups with Steve Burry of My Friend Steve. Lately, Wellville has been pulling over 200 to their shows and is recording brand new stuff. Lots of folks have been calling including Dreamworks, Mercury, Atlantic, Almo and Mammoth. Former Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync manager Donna Wright is looking to sign Wellville to her new label Diva Records .
Contact: Mark Hoefling 407 682 7984, wellville7@aol.com
http://www.wellville.nf

Signed Acts Ready For Publishing Deals:
# I’m listening to the final mixes of the 8Stops7 record on Reprise/Warner. “Question Everything” is their ace crossover song that’s bound to explode (Paul Yered 805 384 1370, heykid@earthlink.net).
# Folk rocker Todd Thibaud has his new record “Little Mystery” coming out in May on Doolittle/Slipdisc. He sold over 10,000 last time around. Looks like he’s already off to a promising start on the charts (Michael Creamer 617 783 6308, creamermgt@aol.com).

Finally, Warner Bros. act Sense Field is looking for a drummer. I’ve been listening to their latest material. Essentially they are a pop rock band even though they come from Revelation Records. However, they do have a little indie essence to them. If you have some good names please ring up Meredith Chinn 818 846 9090, http://www.sensefield.com

Shows:

New York:
Sony Canada/Sour Music act Punchbuggy at Continental 4/29 8:45PM

August 2, 2000

On Tuesday August 8 commercial radio station 99X in Atlanta, Georgia is scheduled to add “Reasons Why” by unsigned Atlanta band Brand New Immortals (featuring Johnny Colt formerly of Black Crowes and David Ryan-Harris who you knew as producer/guitarist for Dionne Farris). Shows are at Atlanta’s Tabernacle August 9, Variety Playhouse August 10, Smith’s Olde Bar August 11. No lawyer yet. Contact Johnny at 404 456 7377.

26 acts to see at the Atlantis Music Conference in Atlanta, Georgia August 9-12:
Injected (to cut to the chase, high profile industry people have been talking to this band in the last few days/weeks, Butch Walker of Marvelous 3 produced their new demo, show is at Dark Horse 8/12, David Prasse is the contact at 404 627 1166). Other acts playing are Another Man Down, Beth Wood, Big Atomic, Big Sky, Chlorophyll (spinning 16 times/week on New Jersey commercial WJSE), Chubby (featuring former Mighty Mighty Bosstones’ Dennis Brockenborough), Dezeray’s Hammer, Ebo, Edward James Band, Jennifer Nettles, John Mayer, justincase (Riviera 8/12 9PM, also in NYC at Brownies 8/14), Kitty Snyder (also in Los Angeles at House of Blues 8/8), Left Front Tire, Lift, Minus, Orbit, Rev-7, Something 5, Something Left After Misfortune, Star Ghost Dog, Stargazer Lily, Supermodel, The Sheila Divine (new demos), VonRa (new heavier, melodic demos produced by Virgos Merlot’s Brett Hestla).

News:
# San Francisco’s Red House Painters (formerly on Supreme/Island) have not released their record “Old Ramon”. Searching for label now. Singer Mark Kozelek has Rolling Stone coverage on his solo record and will appear in the upcoming Cameron Crowe/Steven Spielberg movie “Almost Famous” (coverage/photo of Mark regarding this in Vanity Fair). No manager (contact is Andrew Lurie at alurie@baker-hostetler.com).
# Penny Framstad at San Francisco’s Paradise Lounge 8/2.
# NYC hard rock band Boiler Room is not releasing its John Travis (Kid Rock, Dope) produced record “Can’t Breathe” on Roadrunner. Looking for new label (Jonas Goldstein at goldbenn@aol.com).
# Minnesota 13 year old Amanda Harris chooses 550/Epic for development deal.

Unsigned acts on Commercial Radio Stations:
# Susan Greenbaum’s “Everything But You” 30 times/week on WMXB Richmond, Virginia.
# Lucky Town’s “Flipside” maybe 10 spins/week (?) on WKOC Norfolk, Virginia.

October 17, 2000

Stage is a four piece from Huntington, New York. Ages 21-22. 5 song demo CD produced by Greg Wattenberg (Five for Fighting) and mixed by Neil Perry (Smashing Pumpkins, Everclear)-check out “Perfect”, “The World Has Come Between Us”, “I Will Be Something”. All 5 songs are good though, Ryan Stahr has enormous vocal intensity (particularly on ballads). Sound and melodies are a mixture of Sponge, Goo Goo Dolls, Pearl Jam. Local live draw is 100 people. Long Island/NYC commercial station WLIR is spiking “Perfect” (regular rotation). NYC show at Mercury Lounge tonight (Tues 10/17) at 7:15PM. Management is by Phil Carson/The Shooting Gallery. Contact lawyer Andrew Bergman 212 230 5504, abergman@mail2dsl.com, http://www.stageonline.net

News: Rearview Mirror (D Diaries August 14,2000) won Tonos.com “Send Your Band To College Radio” contest which means they are being flown to NYC for CMJ show at Arlene Grocery 10/21 7PM. Labels said to be pursuing them are Interscope (flew them to LA twice) and Gobstopper/Palm, you can read about it at http://www.geocities.com/rearviewmirror_99 (Norbert Nix at norbiscus@aol.com). Subatomic signs to 143/Atlantic and is looking for a producer right now. Also seek Publishing (Jeff Jampol at jamartman@aol.com). Slackseason might have their song “Highway Firecracker” added to Orlando, Florida commercial WTKS (Ray Powell at pproductions99@hotmail.com).

October 11, 2000

Pressure4-5 is a five piece from Santa Barbara, California. 3 song demo CD. Very catchy, melodic songs with “Beat The World” and “These Hands” (they’re similar to Helmet, Papa Roach, Cold). Even newer material recorded with Ed Stasium (Living Colour, Biohazard, The Ramones etc.) days ago. Draw of up to 200 at Santa B. shows and 100-300 elsewhere in Cali. LA show at Troubadour 10/14 7:30PM. Lawyer is Brian Schall. Contact manager Bill Armstrong at 323 951 9090, side1@aol.com, (http://www.pressure4-5.com).

Ruby Amanfu is from Nashville, Tennessee. Age 21. 6 song demo CD. Famous Music Publishing artist signed to indie Spongebath Records. She reminds me of Alana Davis, Jewel, Tori Amos. R&B slant to her material. Really special stuff, beautiful vocals. “Just Until”, “U Can’t Use Me Anymore”, “Mother Me”, “In the Aisles”, “Dear Happiness” are all good ones. Up to 200 come to local shows. Some co-writing with grammy winner Tommy Sims. Lately, showcased for BMG label with Sony label showcase said to be coming up. Lawyer is Fred Davis. Contact Sean Perry at axis@iag.net.

News: San Diego band Swerve is said to have around 10,000 in sales and a 700+ draw to local live shows. They’ve been working with Narada Michael Walden (James Brown, Whitney Houston) and Peter Bunetta (Smokey Robinson, Michael Bolton). “Serendipity” is perhaps their hookiest song (sort of Better Than Ezra meets Green Day). Offer in from a Navarre distributed label. Show at The Gig/Melrose 10/26 9:30PM (contact Ari Nisman at 732 565 0200, ari@degy.com, http://www.swerverock.com). Drowning Pool’s “Tear Away” now has an official add at Dallas commercial KEGL, #11 on playlist. The Agency Group is booking shows for them (Paul Bassman at paul@bassmanagement.com). Michelle Branch (D Diaries August 14, 2000) is signing to Maverick. Brand New Immortals sign to The Music Company/Elektra.

October 2, 2000

Bleu is from Boston. He’s backed by a four piece (one of these players is from former Columbia and Polydor act Expanding Man and another from My Favorite Relative). He’s produced a 13 song CD “Headroom” with Ducky Carlisle (Susan Tedeschi). I absolutely love the song “3’s A Charm” and then there’s “Feet Don’t Fail” and “Terrible Secret”. Not unlike Weezer, Eels, Beatles, Squeeze, XTC. Big, sharp, crispy, melodic choruses. Boston commercial WFNX might add “Feet Don’t Fail” in coming days. Live shows draw up to 200. His “Big Bang Holidang” charity CD sold a few thousand. Somerville, MA show at Lilli’s October 6 9PM and NYC acoustic show at Sidewalk Cafe October 8 10:30PM. No lawyer. Contact manager Pete Galli at 617 782 4192, galli@cybercom.net, http://www.bleutopia.com

News: Mister Jones (D. Diaries 7/24/00) is signed to Hollywood. I heard Beyond Music wants to sign Soup. Motor is on at NYC’s Arlene Grocery 10/2 6PM. Last I heard Columbia, Epic, Dreamworks, Edel and Melisma scheduled to be there. The Wine Field relocated to Boston as you may know. New CD out “Into The Century”, producers include Dale Penner (Nickelback, Holly McNarland, Econoline Crush) and Greg Wattenberg. The song “I’m Not Breathing” is really good. 17,000 in career sales, 1 million hits at website (thewinefield1@aol.com, http://www.winefield.com). Boston’s Missing Joe is at the 3000 sales mark with “Breaking Down the Constellations”. Look for their songs on “Dawson’s Creek” this year (http://www.missingjoe.com). Uptown Sinclair at LA’s Spaceland 10/5 9:30PM.